November 28, 2012

My husband’s parents lives in Europe. Our family is making the trek to visit over Christmas.  Although we’ve been to Europe before with our first child (see below, on one of our previous trips – note the Bosu Ball and my husband’s awesome footwear)…

it’s always different when you travel older children.  I’m having a few anxieties about it for the following reasons:

1) Luggage: It’s winter.  It’s cold.  That means winter boots, snow pants, jackets, mittens, hats, sweaters, long underwear need to be packed.  X 4.  2 out of 4 family members can’t carry luggage.  1 out of 4 has a biological need to run around and explore that surpasses his biological need to cooperate and follow instruction.  Effectively, he’s luggage too.  He’s luggage that’s closely resembles a 35 lb bag of snakes.

2) 1 pair of boots per family member?  For anyone who knows me, you’ll understand why this is a next to impossible situation.

3) It’s a long flight. On our way east, it’s an evening flight. So the flight is set to take off later than the little traveler’s bedtimes.  My children have not been up past 9PM more than once in the past year.  And my youngest will be in our laps for the flight.  For over 8 hours.  He hasn’t slept in our arms in over 1.5 years.  Did I mention he’s a 35 lb bag of snakes?

On the way back home, the timing of the flight makes for the longest day ever.  My daughter shouldn’t be too bad, but the little one will be trouble… revisit the biological needs identified above.

4) Jet lag.  x 4

5) We’re off to the land of beer and sausage, but also milk, cheese and butter.  My youngest has a dairy allergy.  Even bread that’s made with milk will send him into writhing stomach pains.

So what’s my plan?

1) Become a packing ninja.  I’ve already started test packing.

2) I have no idea.  I have no single purpose, looks good with everything, keep my feet warm, can play in the snow boots.  Maybe I need new boots?

3) Aiming to have them as well rested as possible before we even leave for the airport. Getting to the airport in lots of time to have some food, change into jammies, and read some stories at the gate.  Hopefully, boarding and take off all happen at the appropriate times, and they’ll settle in for some long naps.  I actually purchased eye masks and ear plugs for the kiddies so they can hopefully block out the noises and just get some rest.

For the flight home: Loaded iPad.  Books.  Color Wonderful Markers.  In flight movies.  Accepting other suggestions.

4) The aim is to let everyone sleep as much as they want on day 1, while still trying to protect their night sleep.  Day 2 is when we push everyone to be on European time.

5) Avoid EVERYTHING that could have dairy in it.  I believe my son will enjoy indulging in the other German food groups.

I know we’ll have fun. I’m really looking forward to the time away and taking in the European Christmas.  Stay tuned to find out how we manage.

SHARE
November 26, 2012

Circada-what?

The nurse who works the night shift, the university student who parties into first rays of daylight (this may or may not have applied to me in a past life), the traveler traversing time zones and the professional pulling an all-nighter to meet a deadline have all felt the repercussions of manipulating our bodies natural rhythms.

Circadian rhythms were first documented in early 18th century France by a scientist experimenting with plants. He noticed that these plants opened and closed their leaves, even when kept in complete darkness (Source). Since then much research has been done, but it all proves that there are forces at work, within all living things, functioning much like a clock. When I talk to my Sleeperific families about circadian (or biological) rhythms, I’m always trying to convey this major point:

There are optimal times for our bodies to rest and wake.

One of the most important drivers of our circadian rhythms are day and night (light and dark) cycles.

 

So what does this mean for my kid?

Circadian rhythms means there are ideal times for our bodies to be sleeping. We will obtain the best benefits from sleep and our bodies will be most willing to go and stay asleep when we sleep in phase with circadian rhythms. When consulting with families, I try to maximize sleep by taking advantage of the natural “wave” that children experience throughout their day. I ensure they’re sleeping at ideal times and not trying to go to sleep when their bodies are telling them to wake. There’s a bunch of other stuff involved with the plans I put together for families, but working within our biology is a vital component.

It’s important for parents to recognize that these biological rhythms do not really emerge until a baby is closer to four months of age. Prior to then, babies are just too immature to have established rhythms. Although there are other (and other) things we can do to encourage healthy sleep for infants, but worrying about ideal sleep rhythms isn’t relevant in these very early stages.

 

 

 

SHARE
November 12, 2012

Color Wonderful Markers

Thanks again Crayola!  Color Wonderful markers work with Color Wonderful paper – and nothing else.  So not your walls, floors, furniture, or even little hands or clothes. These markers are going to be neat and tidy for your budding artist.

Of course, we HAD to purchase the princess themed package.  Which came with glittered paper. For any parents out there, you know you do a glitter craft once and then never again.  There is now glitter on me and her.  And all over her room.  You don’t have to purchase the glittered paper – in fact, I would advise against it.  There are plenty of options which are non-glitter.

I’m stocking up on activities which I know will work well for when we’re travelling to Europe in December.  Color Wonderful (non glittered) gets a big thumbs up!

 

SHARE