• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Diedre
    • Contact Me
    • Featured On
    • Privacy Policy
  • Curly Hair Care
  • Motherhood
    • Motherhood Series
  • Marriage
  • Parenting
  • Curly Hair Guide
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Newsletter

Are Those Your Kids

Raising Biracial Kids in Today's World

nap

How to Get Kids Over the Age of Two to Nap (So Momma Can Rest Too!)

April 11, 2017 By Diedre 12 Comments

 

Once babies transition to toddlers, they become more curious about the world and start to refuse naps. Check out this quick list of nap time tips. *I was given the sleep zzz in exchange for my honest opinion. As always, my opinions are honest & my own.*

Once babies move from infant stage to toddlers, they become more curious about the world and start to refuse naps. Most children from age 18 months to 3 years old still require naps, however, the length of nap time may vary from child to child. If your child sleeps around 12 hours at night, they may require less sleep than children who sleep less at night.

Set Up a Routine (And Stick to It!)

Setting up a nap time routine can look very similar to bedtime. After lunch, begin winding your child down by closing blinds, reading a story, or turning on gentle music.

Napping at the same time in the same place helps your toddler learn that napping is part of their everyday routine. Pick a simple routine that allows your child to self-soothe.

Keep in mind that if you draw out the routine for naps like you do at night for bedtime, your child will become accustomed to it and will require it daily.

Nap Early in the Day

Late naps can throw off bedtime and keep your kids up later than you desire (thus defeating the purpose of the nap). Sometimes you have to trick them into sleeping.

Hey, I’m not above taking a short ride down the road or around the neighborhood if I know my kids are on the verge crazy town but refuse to sleep.

Allow Them to Nap With a Comfort Item

A comfort item could be a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or pillow. Using a comfort item helps your child to substitute the item for you-this will give you some free time to rest or accomplish some things around the house.

Once babies transition to toddlers, they become more curious about the world and start to refuse naps. Check out this quick list of nap time tips.

My kids love the Sleep Zzz pillow. If you’ve ever used a U-shape pillow while pregnant, you know how addictive these pillows can be (even after pregnancy). It’s large enough to cuddle with everywhere…on the bed, couch, or even the floor! And I’m proud to say that this is an item actually made in the U.S.

This summer we’ll be spending some time at the beach in a condo & you can bet the sleep zzz pillow is going with us!

 

Once babies transition to toddlers, they become more curious about the world and start to refuse naps. Check out this quick list of nap time tips. Substitute Sleeping for Resting

Some toddlers just won’t nap despite your efforts–and that’s okay!

Instead of demanding that they sleep, encourage them to rest their bodies. Compromise by letting them read in bed or lay quietly for a designated amount of time.

 

Save

Save

How to Plan the Perfect Toddler Birthday Party Without Tears

November 27, 2016 By Diedre 8 Comments

How to Plan the Perfect Toddler Birthday Party Without Tears

*This post is sponsored by Oriental Trading Company. All opinions are my own*

Planning a toddler birthday party should be fun event for parents, not a stressful one. However, when toddlers are involved, unpredictable events can make one nervous. Here are some tips for a stress-free, fun party day.

Keep It Simple

I cannot say this enough. Toddlers get overstimulated easily and they really don’t care whether you spent hours on every detail.

They still might not smile for your picture.

One of my favorite places to purchase party supplies from is Oriental Trading Company. 

Their supplies are affordable and often come small packs, perfect for giving as party favors.

Make Party Activities Toddler-Friendly

My girls love playing dress up. Paw Patrol reigns at our house, so we picked up some Paw Patrol costumes . 

They wore those things all day (pre and post party!) I think they almost enjoyed them more than the gifts. The adults even joined the fun and wore Paw Patrol masks!

Of all the birthday parties I’ve attended with my children, I’ve noticed that they enjoy the ones that are catered to toddlers (playdough, colored spaghetti noodles, small bouncy house, coloring station, etc).

Maybe it’s the educator in me, but I find that when the activities are age appropriate, it helps the kids have less melt down moments. Toddlers have short attention spans, so short games, music and age-appropriate arts and crafts are usually a hit.

How to Plan the Perfect Toddler Birthday Party Without Tears

Keep Snacks Kid Friendly

Be careful to steer clear of foods that can pose choking hazards, unless they are cut into small bite size pieces (grapes, hotdogs, etc).

A toddler party is not the time to bring out expensive catered foods. Most toddlers are pretty picky and wasteful. Pinterest has a ton of ideas for healthy snacks that are colorful and attractive. Kids are more likely to try foods when they are appealing to the eye.

However, if you choose to go the catered route for the adults, make sure you have toddler-friendly snacks for the little (picky) ones.

How to Plan the Perfect Toddler Birthday Party Without Tears

Charge Your Camera (or Phone)

There is NOTHING worse than missing those special moments because your camera or phone is dead.

Be sure charge the device you are using a day in advance to ensure you don’t miss blowing out the candles, family & friends or those messy cake moments.

Or, you can give the task of photography to a party guest so that you can fully enjoy the special moments with your little one.

How to Plan the Perfect Toddler Birthday Party Without Tears

Keep the Invite List Small

When the guest list is too long, you are busy running around and entertaining, thus not enjoying the party or the time with your little one. Younger toddlers aren’t ready for a lot of socializing, so the size of your guest list doesn’t matter as much, however, that does add to your list of things to do as far as entertaining.

Older toddlers often enjoy the company of their peers.

Plan Around Nap time

I don’t know about you, but my kids get some kind of cranky before a nap, and even after waking up. Who wants to have a party with a cranky toddler??  NOT ME!!

Timing is super important. Try to keep the party two hours or less. Nap time is key! Their little bodies need time to rest and recharge after being partied out.

How to Plan the Perfect Toddler Birthday Party Without Tears

What tips and tricks have worked for you when planning a toddler birthday party? Leave a comment and share with me!

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

My Toddler is Driving Me Crazy! 6 Annoying Habits of Kids Under 5

November 10, 2016 By Diedre 39 Comments

My Toddler is Driving Me Crazy! Annoying Habits of Kids Under 5

I have to admit, toddlers do and say some pretty funny stuff, but they also have some annoying habits.

Strangers often look at me when I’m with my kids and say aw, those (referring to toddler years) were my favorite. You look up, and they’re grown. I’d love to share their sentiment, but as they attempt to  walk down memory lane with me, my kids are hitting and slapping each other.

Some of their habits are cute and endearing. But some are just plain annoying.

These are my LEAST favorite.

…

Read this Post

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Diedre!

Hi, I’m Diedre!

Lifestyle + Mom Blogger

Welcome to Are Those Your Kids! This blog was created to share my experiences in motherhood, from the perspective of a mom with biracial kids. I discuss all things education, culture, multicultural resources, curly hair and motherhood.

Categories

Featured On

 

Are those your kids FB group

Popular Posts

Parenting biracial daughters comes with a unique set of challenges. People often question their identity based on their physical appearance.
Multiracial families are often suseptible to others biases based on their physical appearance. There is so much more to us than meets the eye.

The Frustration-Free Guide to Curly Hair E-book

Are you at a loss when it comes to curly hair? Does wash day make you cringe? Check out this e-book for a guide to all things curly hair care.

Curly Hair & Skin Care for Babies and Toddlers

Curly Hair & Skin Care for Babies and Toddlers

Footer

Are those your kids FB Group

Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Site by Pretty Pink Studio