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Dana Obleman

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The Parenting CollectiveThe Parenting CollectiveThe OG of Sleep with Dana OblemanOn this week's episode I am thrilled to have Dana from @Sleep Sense.  She is the founder and CEO and the OG of paediatric sleep.  Over 8 years ago I was very grateful to have found her and commenced my training to become a Sleep Sense Consultant and the rest is history.....Dana began her private practice in Vancouver, Canada in 2003. After struggling with her own child's sleep, she drew on her dual degrees in Psychology and Education to create The Sleep Sense ™ Program, a complete sleep resource for parents which has sold almost 130,000 copies in more than 30 coun...2025-03-1735 minParenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg MeekerParenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg MeekerEp. 268: Expert Strategies for Helping Kids Sleep BetterStruggling with your child's sleep? In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with sleep expert Dana Obleman, founder of the Sleep Sense Program, to tackle common sleep challenges in babies, toddlers, and teens. They discuss: Why children wake up at night and how to help them sleep independently The four-month sleep regression and how to navigate it Strategies to reduce nighttime wake-ups in nine-month-olds Tips for healthy sleep habits in preschoolers and teenagers The impact of screen time, blue light, and melatonin on sleep quality Why a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for...2025-03-1339 minDigital Trailblazer PodcastDigital Trailblazer PodcastMaking $500k/Year as a Baby Sleep Coach with Dana OblemanEpisode 120: Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-scriptIt’s often said that the riches are in the niches. One of the things we often tell our coaching clients is that people who buy are searching for a very specific solution to a very specific problem. They aren’t going to be willing to spend money on a generic solution to a specific problem.Today’s guest is an excellent example of how you can make more money and find easier success by niching down.In thi...2025-01-1625 minThe Anxiety Recovery PodcastThe Anxiety Recovery PodcastRestless Nights? How Anxiety and Anxious Attachment Disrupt Your Sleep (and How to Fix It) with Sleep Expert Dana OblemanDo you find yourself tossing and turning at night, unable to quiet your anxious mind? Or maybe you’re stuck in a cycle of revenge bedtime procrastination, staying up late even when you’re exhausted? In this episode, I sit down with Sleep Expert Dana Obleman to explore the fascinating connection between anxiety, attachment styles, and sleep struggles. We dive into:✨ Why anxious attachment can lead to sleepless nights✨ The science behind revenge bedtime procrastination and how to break the cycle✨ Practical tips and proven strategies to improve your sleep and reclaim your nights If a...2024-12-0550 minEczema Kids - Natural Eczema Solutions, Eczema Diet, Eczema Causes, Eczema Creams, Eczema Symptoms, Eczema Itching, Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema Flare-Ups, Best Eczema Products, Eczema SupportEczema Kids - Natural Eczema Solutions, Eczema Diet, Eczema Causes, Eczema Creams, Eczema Symptoms, Eczema Itching, Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema Flare-Ups, Best Eczema Products, Eczema Support145 | How to Help Your Child Sleep Better with Expert Dana OblemanHi Friends, In this episode of the Eczema Kids podcast, we are joined by the incredible Dana Obleman, a professional sleep specialist famously known as the Baby Sleep Boss. Dana has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, WebMD, and The Washington Post for her expertise in helping families conquer even the most challenging sleep struggles. If you’re a parent of a child with eczema or other health challenges, you know that poor sleep can make everything feel harder. Dana shares practical, actionable strategies to help your child develop independent sleep skills, establish soothing be...2024-11-2635 minThe Ambitious CoachThe Ambitious Coach56 - Business Wisdom w/ Sleep Sense Founder - Dana OblemanIn this episode, I picked the brain of one of the best female CEO's, Dana Obleman. She has over 20 years of business wisdom and shares with me some of her marketing strategies, how she delegates, what she's excited about in her business, and more.    Who is Dana Obleman: Dana began her private practice in Vancouver. Canada in 2003. After struggling with her own child's sleep, she drew on her dual degrees in Psychology and Education to create The Sleep Sense™ Program, a complete sleep resource for parents which has sold almost 130,000 copies in more than...2023-09-0130 minMy New LifeMy New LifeTransitioning from crib to bedSwitching your child from a crib to bed can be a big milestone! Most sleep experts recommend waiting until your child is around three years old.    Jessica Rolph, your host,  is joined by Dana Obleman to discuss what factors might go into that timing. Dana is an Infant and Child Sleep Consultant and the creator of The Sleep Sense Program.   Highlights: [1:08] What are the signs that your child is ready to make the switch from a crib to a bed?  [1:50] What should parents do when their child is cl...2022-12-2823 minOh Crap with JamieOh Crap with Jamie46. Sleep Expert Dana OblemanOn today’s episode, I’m delighted to welcome sleep expert Dana Obleman. Dana is the founder of the acclaimed Sleep Sense Program, and she lives for helping parents get their babies to sleep through the night. We begin with our own stories of sleepless nights with new babies, and how this struggle prompted Dana to find a solution that she then felt compelled to share with other exhausted parents. Her program offers a number of different options to help sleep train your baby, but Dana explains no matter which way you choose to get there, the heart of the...2022-03-2347 minThe Whole StepfamilyThe Whole StepfamilyWhy Kids Need More Sleep (& how to make it happen): Interview w Dana OblemanOne of the biggest issues many stepmoms of young stepkids face is navigating the bedtime struggle.Different rules by each parent can almost guarantee a sleep disruption when kids transition back and forth between their homes.Guilt and a sense of missing out on parenting time can create the urge to keep kids up late in order to spend more time with them.Fear of coming across as too strict or harsh can prevent some parents from implementing and enforcing a structured bedtime.The reasons behind poor sleep in kids of...2022-03-2132 min2 Girls Talking2 Girls TalkingPlease Go to Sleep Baby!Sleeping well is a skill. Who knew?  Baby Sleep Boss Dana Obleman, that's who! Every parent of a newborn will tell you their biggest problem is sleep. Sleep for the infants - and adults too. When Dana's first child wasn't sleeping through the night, she started experimenting with different techniques and after just a few days she had found the right method to get her son to sleep 8 straight hours. And then 11 hours. And then 12. Not only was her son happier but Mom and Dad were better people too. Her techniques were so successful she b...2021-10-0531 minEmotionally UncomfortableEmotionally Uncomfortable859: [PARENTING] Quality Sleep While Raising Young Kids is 100% Possible {Interview with Dana Obleman}"Sleep is the best meditation." -Dalai Lama   Dana has a degree in Psychology and another in Education.  She has presented her methods to pediatricians at one of the country's biggest universities and has been featured on several national media outlets like CNN, The Washington Post, Today's Parent, The Huffington Post, and WebMD.  More than 109,000 parents have used The Sleep Sense Program to get their children sleeping through the night.   In this episode, Dana and I talk about: How to get quality sleep with young kids Why it's important to develop heal...2021-07-0729 minCrawoo_Decor: Expert TalksCrawoo_Decor: Expert TalksMom & Work Life Balance — Productivity Tips & Hacks With Dana Obleman — Expert Talks, episode 2Shoutout to @sleepsense ‘s DANA OBLEMAN for sharing her tips on being a successful mom & business woman! Visit www.sleepsense.net or Facebook.com/daneobleman to learn more.Thanks, Dana!2021-06-3047 minBreezy Babies- Mom, Parenting, Pregnant, Baby, Breastfeeding, Family, PostpartumBreezy Babies- Mom, Parenting, Pregnant, Baby, Breastfeeding, Family, Postpartum26. When Can My Baby And My Boobs Sleep Through The Night? Sleep Training with Dana Obleman from Sleep SenseWarning- this is a taboo topic in the lactation world! Breastfeeding and sleep training- can they go hand in hand? Or is it one or the other? My guest today is Dana from Sleep Sense and she's sharing how you can have both!I'm also adding in some bonus tips on when you can let your boobs sleep through the night. Is it necessary to wake up and pump, when your baby starts sleeping longer stretches? Listen in for my answer. @sleepsense on Instawww.sleepsense.netJoin Bri's crew so we...2020-12-2225 minEmotionally UncomfortableEmotionally Uncomfortable800: Sleep Coaching {Interview with Dana Obleman}"Crying is your child's way of protesting change, and you can expect that making changes to their sleep habits will result in some protest." -Dana Obleman Dana began her private practice in Vancouver, Canada in 2003. After struggling with her own child’s sleep, she drew on her dual degrees in Psychology and Education to create The Sleep Sense™ Program, a complete sleep resource for parents which has sold almost 100,000 copies in more than 30 countries.Since writing The Sleep Sense Program, she has authored an additional four books on specific parenting challenges. Over 85,000 individuals follow her on F...2020-12-1826 minInto The WildInto The Wild38. Sleep Training Game Changers: For your business and your baby with Dana OblemanHey you wild women! My next guest is Dana Oblemn, the sleep guru. She is someone that has personally changed my life in helping me sleep train my kids so that I can GROW my business. She has one degree in Psychology and another in Education and has presented her methods to pediatricians at one of the country’s biggest universities, and has been featured on CNN, The Washington Post, Today’s Parent, The Huffington Post, and WebMD. More than 109,000 parents have used her program, The Sleep Sense Program, to get their children sleeping through the...2020-10-0546 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 125 - Overcoming Chronic OverwhelmI've been a mother for a little over 18 years now, and although I wouldn't trade those years for anything, there's no question that raising kids has been a challenge. In fact, in those 18 years, I've never spoken to a single mother who hasn't felt completely overwhelmed at one point or another.  My guest today has a unique perspective on chronic overwhelm. She was already raising three boys when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  Her story is a real inspiration and her message is one that all mothers can benefit from in this time of ne...2020-08-2136 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 124 - Mom Life and Mental HealthIt's no secret that new mothers can go through some pretty brutal emotional ups and downs after giving birth. But that doesn't necessarily make it easier to talk about, or get rid of the stigma that some of us feel when we experience postpartum depression. My guest today, Courtney Allison, is a wife, mother to two little girls, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, as well as the creator of The Girl Without a Mom, and her YouTube channel is full of videos to help moms learn everything they need to know about mental health...2020-07-2439 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 123 - Parents Who LeadThese last couple of months have been trying ones for most people I know, but nobody more so than parents. The sudden demand for us to step into every role for our children, from parent to teacher to playmate and beyond, has proven to be a tall order, to say the least! That's a big reason why I'm so happy to bring you this week's episode, featuring an interview with Alyssa Westring, one of the authors of "Parents Who Lead - The Leadership Approach You Need to Parent with Purpose, Fuel Your Career, and Create...2020-05-1541 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 122 - Meeting of the MompreneursI've always been a very family-oriented woman. I know I'm hardly alone in this position, but my husband and kids are the center of my universe. And since I started my business 16 years ago, I've also been captivated with the experience of building something from the ground up and seeing the results that it brings, not just to me, but the families that The Sleep Sense Program helps.  I find the "mompreneur" life extremely rewarding and I just love hearing the similar, but unique, stories of other moms who have come up with a solution t...2020-05-0834 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 121 - Quarantine Survival GuideThe last month or two have seen some unprecedented changes in our daily lives, due in large part to the stay-at-home directive imposed on a huge percentage of the world's population. And while we all wish we had more time to spend with our kids, spending all day, every day with them stuck in the house presents a lot of new challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed at times. So today I have a few tips to help you navigate these uncharted waters, keep your little ones' schedule on track, and make the most of this...2020-04-1719 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 120 - Necessity is the Mother of InventionWhen I originally created the Sleep Sense Program 14 years ago, I didn't intend to make a business out of it. It was just my personal solution to the problem of my first-born not sleeping.  Many entrepreneurs start out this way. They're not looking to start a business, they're just people who've come up with a better way of doing things.  That's why, at this particularly challenging point in time, I'm delighted to bring you the story of Cara Sayer, the creator of Snoozeshade. In 2009, Cara was a mum who needed a solution to a...2020-03-2739 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 119 - Postpartum DepressionAll of the sharing we do on social media has made this a bit of a strange time to be a new mother. On the one hand,  we're undoubtedly seeing more understanding and acceptance around the idea of postpartum depression. Mothers who are experiencing it have a number of forums and communities to discuss their feelings with others who have experienced the same situation.  On the other, it feels like there's never been so much pressure to put on a brave face and show the world that you've got everything under control. My gu...2020-03-0651 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 118 - Childhood Sleep ChallengesAfter all my years as a pediatric sleep expert, you might think I'd get a little fatigued talking about the subject, but the truth is, there's never been a more exciting time to be in this line of work. There's a prominent new focus on the value and health benefits of sleep, and with it comes a lot of research and findings, which brings a lot of exciting new conversations. That's why I'm so pleased to be speaking today with Dr. Mary Wilde. A board-certified pediatrician, author, mother of eight (wow!) and the founder of Imagine Pediatrics...2020-02-2840 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 117 - Dealing with BurnoutStress is a part of life, there's no getting around it. No matter our age, gender, or responsibilities, we all feel the pressures of day to day life, and we all deal with it the best we can. But as parents, how we react when we're feeling overwhelmed can have a trickle-down effect on the rest of our family. Overreactions due to stress can leave our kids confused, and us feeling like bad parents. Which is why I'm so excited to be speaking today with Emily Nagoski, researcher, activist, and author of the amazing book...2019-11-2237 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 116 - Breastfeeding and Sleep TrainingThere's a common misconception among mothers, both old and new, that breastfeeding and sleeping well are mutually exclusive. You can sleep well or you can nurse on demand, but you can't do both. I've worked hard to dispel that myth, but to be perfectly honest, I had a very hard time nursing my babies, and don't consider myself to be the foremost authority on the subject. That's why I'm so glad to be joined today by Courtney Zentz, LLC and postpartum doula, who also happens to be a Certified Sleep Sense Consultant! Courtney...2019-07-0539 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 115 - How to Raise a BoyAs the mother of two teenage boys, I have to admit that, on occasion, I find it hard to connect with them. I find myself walking a fine line between wanting to show interest in their lives and respecting their privacy. Between showing them love and smothering them with it. Between letting them be themselves and raising them to be good men. Which is why I was so thrilled to speak with Dr. Michael Reichert this week, the author of How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men. ...2019-05-101h 06The Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 114 - Not The Mama!How many two-parent families out there can relate to this scenario? Your little one, who both of you spend plenty of time with and love unconditionally, has grown to a point where they can communicate some basic preferences. They like carrots, but not as much as they like applesauce. They like the dog, but not as much as they like their stuffed giraffe. And they like Dad, but not nearly as much as they like Mom. And they're not afraid to show it, despite the fact that it absolutely...2019-01-1115 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 113 - The Importance of ChoicesI'm certainly not a "free-range" parent. I'm just too much of a worrier to let my kids run around unsupervised. But on the other hand, I do think that kids need some amount of authority over their own lives. Providing your little ones with choices is beneficial on a couple of levels. It allows them to feel like they have some measure of control over things, and it provides some early lessons about the consequences of their decisions. Not to mention the peace and harmony it can help to maintain around the house! Today, we'll...2019-01-0417 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 112 - How to Deal With LyingLet's be honest here. (Ha!) Unless you're an exceptionally lucky parent, your child is going to tell the occasional fib. As a parent, you'll have to decide how when and how to call them out on it, and what the consequences are when they tell a lie. In today's episode, I've got a few tips for you to help decide on a strategy you can be comfortable with when you find your little one bending the truth, as well as a few insights as to why children tell lies in the first place.  2018-12-1419 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 111 - What's the Cure for Whining?I recently asked my Facebook friends what parenting challenges they needed some help with, and when it came to the parents of toddlers, the overwhelming response was one you can probably identify with; Whining. It's pretty much guaranteed that shortly after your little one learns to communicate, they'll discover whining as a tactic for getting what they want. And it can be super annoying! Parenting experts are quick to tell you that if you don't give in to the behavior, your little one will give it up, which is usually true. What they...2018-12-0720 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 110 - How Lack of Sleep Affects Your MarriagePeople tend to make light of the sleepless nights that new parents experience when they have a new baby. We all go through it, and so we tend to laugh it off once our little ones grow up and start sleeping through the night. But sleep deprivation is no laughing matter, and it can have serious effects on your mental health and, subsequently, on your relationship. In today's episode, I want to look at some of the actual physical changes that take place in your brain and body when you don't get enough sleep, and...2018-11-3022 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 109 - Six Reasons Your Kids Need SleepIt's not like we don't know that our kids need a lot of sleep. Every parent in the world realizes that babies sleep a lot more than adults, but when's the last time you actually thought about why? The obvious answer, "They get cranky if they don't sleep," is true of course, but there's a lot of fascinating science behind that fact, and sleep does so much more for our little ones than just regulating their mood. So today, I'm going to look at the amazing operation going on inside your baby's body and mind...2018-11-1622 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 108 - How Much Awake Time Can Baby HandleMost of the parents I've worked with over the years fall into a very common trap when it comes to their baby's sleep, and it's because it's such a reasonable belief. "The more tired you are, the better you'll sleep." Seems like a no-brainer, right? Like food or water, the more your body needs, the more it will accommodate.  The fact is, this notion isn't just inaccurate, it's actually just the opposite. Because of our bodies' natural response to overtiredness, it causes light, fragmented sleep in babies as well as adults. S...2018-11-0921 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 107 - How to Take a Nap as an AdultTaking daytime naps is something we usually associate with babies and toddlers, and for good reason. Young kids need a lot of sleep and tend to get a big chunk of it during the day. But as more people are realizing, daytime naps are rewarding for adults too. They can be a great tool to regulate your nighttime sleep and stay on top of your game throughout the day. However, I've heard from a lot of people that they either can't get to sleep during the day, or that naps leave them feeling groggy when...2018-11-0213 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 106 - Surviving a Hotel Stay With Your BabyI know a lot of parents who avoid this problem by simply not traveling, but that's not always an option, and it's certainly not a good solution for those of us who love to travel. Staying in a hotel room with a young baby presents a whole pile of concerns for parents. Where should she sleep, how do we keep her on a schedule, and of course, what if she cries? After all, it's not just you that she's going to disturb if she spends an hour wailing in the middle of the night. In...2018-10-1919 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 105 - How to Fight in Front of Your KidsIf you're raising kids with a partner, it's a pretty safe bet that there's going to be the occasional argument between the two of you, and sometimes, like it or not, they happen in front of the kids. We tend to beat ourselves up when we argue in front of our kids, but the truth is they can learn some important lessons from seeing their parents argue, so long as it's done in a productive and respectful way. In today's show, I've got some suggestions to help you maintain civility and regard for your partner...2018-10-1218 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 104 - Get Your Kids to Eat Their VeggiesIt's a very rare child who's willing to eat anything you put in front of them. Most kids crave sweets and white carbs, and occasionally protein in the form of chicken nuggets or fish sticks. Not exactly foods your pediatrician would call, "healthy." Getting young children to eat their vegetables can result in some frustrating battles, but you can't just feed them their favorite foods all the time. So what's a parent to do? In today's episode, I have some tips to help you ease the tensions around dinnertime, encourage your kids to try new...2018-10-0513 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 103 - Stretched Too ThinEvery mother knows that raising kids is a full time job. Not "full time" in the business sense of 9-5, Monday to Friday, but full time in the literal sense. You never clock out, you never get a vacation, and you never retire. Which is a big part of the reason those of us who choose to pursue a career on top of being moms can often find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by feeling of guilt and inadequacy. My guest on today's show, Jessica Turner, author of the bestselling book, The Fringe Hours and founder of...2018-09-1431 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 102 - The Importance of Bedtime RoutinesAs many of you will probably know if you've listened to my podcast before, my first child started off as a terrible sleeper.  And like any parent in my position, I did a ton of research to try and figure out what the problem was. For some reason, no matter how many people I heard talking about the importance of bedtime routines, I always dismissed them as being inconsequential. But I'm a firm believer now, and today I'll be discussing why bedtime routines are so important for getting your baby sleeping through the n...2018-09-0721 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 101 - How to be a Happier ParentAudrey Hepburn once said, “The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters.”  That's great advice, but it's a little sparse on the "how-to" side. We would all love to be happy, but it's not always easy, especially when you're shouldering the responsibilities of a parent. Which is why I'm so excited to be speaking with my guest on the show today. K.J. Dell'Antonia is the author of How to Be a Happier Parent. A practical, thoroughly researched guide to bringing more joy into our everyday lives, not by do...2018-08-3142 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 100 - Back to School TipsAs much as kids look forward to summer vacation, I have a feeling that parents look forward to school starting again even more. (Even though we may not be allowed to show it quite so openly.) But back-to-school can bring along one substantial challenge for both parents and their kids. During those two months of vacation, we tend to get pretty lenient about bedtime, and when kids suddenly start working on a schedule again, their sleep can get thrown wildly off track. In today's episode, I'll discuss why early bedtimes are so vital to your...2018-08-2416 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 099 - Separation Anxiety in Older KidsAs parents, the idea that our kids don't like to be apart from us is not just understandable, the feeling is full-on mutual. The bond between us and our children cannot be overstated. As they get older, some kids naturally start to explore their emerging independence with enthusiasm. Others, not so much. So when it comes time for the first day of pre-school, daycare, or even an afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa's house, many kids will resist with an intensity that can be downright heartbreaking for both them and their parents. Today, I've...2018-08-1716 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 098 - How Do I Know if Baby's Hungry?When your baby cries in the night, it usually means they want something in order to help them get back to sleep. Whether it's because they're too hot, too cold, have a wet diaper, or for some other reason can be difficult to tell. For most parents, the first thing they try is a feed. Babies love to eat and it's the most common reason for newborns and infants to wake up in the night. Of course, that's not always the solution, and feeding your baby to sleep every time they wake up can cause...2018-07-2014 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 097 - Switching From a Crib to a BedSooner or later, your toddler is going to outgrow their crib, and while the switch to a big-kid bed is an exciting milestone, it usually brings on some challenges. Toddlers tend to test their boundaries when they experience the newfound freedom of a regular bed, and you can typically expect a few late-night visits, sleep regressions, and early morning wake ups while they're getting used to their new sleeping arrangements. Today, I have some suggestions that will help you decide on the right time to make the switch, as well as some common mistakes parents...2018-07-1327 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 096 - When and How to Start Solid FoodsStarting your baby on solid foods is a fun and exciting milestone, and one you should definitely have your camera ready for! But like everything in parenting, there is a lot of uncertainty about when and how to get started. In today's episode, I'll be talking a little bit about how to recognize when your baby is ready to start eating solid food, and a whole lot about how to go about it. Having struggled with my own son's finicky eating habits, I've learned from experience (as well as a few expert nutritionists) about the...2018-06-2926 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 095 - 8 Tips for Separation AnxietyI think we can all agree that no sound on this earth is more distressing to a parent than that of their crying baby. And in their early years, nothing prompts a meltdown from your little one quite like the sight of you leaving the room. Separation anxiety is so common among babies that you would probably be more likely to worry if your little one didn't cry a little when you left them alone. The truth is, teaching your baby to trust in your inevitable return when you leave the room is probably harder...2018-06-2217 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 094 - Unhelpful Parenting BehaviorsAs parents, we all strive to do the best we can when it comes to raising our kids. But actions taken with the best intentions can have negative effects, and we may not realize the impact they have until the damage is already done. Today, I'm going to talk a bit about some of the more unhelpful behaviors I've observed in my time as a sleep consultant (as well as some of my own!) and talk a bit about why we're likely to engage in them, why they're not doing what they're intended to do, and what...2018-06-1517 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 093 - When Should I Start the Sleep Sense Program?I can't tell you how many times I've spoken with parents who were desperate to get their child sleeping through the night, but when it came to actually getting started, they felt like it "just wasn't the right time." Don't get me wrong, they had good reasons for saying so. Baby was teething, baby was just getting over an illness, baby was about to switch to a big-kid bed, and so on. The truth is, there are some situations where I think it's best to put off sleep training for a brief period, but waiting...2018-06-0815 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 092 - Sleep Training and Attachment ParentingThere's a commonly held belief among the devotees of attachment parenting that sleep training isn't compatible with their parenting style. That's not surprising, since one of the founders of the attachment parenting movement, Dr. Bill Sears, amended the core principles of his system to include "Beware of baby trainers." But having worked with parents who subscribe to this approach, I have found that there's plenty of room for compromise. You can stick to every fundamental rule of the attachment parenting model and still teach your baby the skills they need to sleep through the night.2018-06-0126 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 091 - What if Baby Looks Uncomfortable?Tell me if this sounds familiar... You've put baby to bed, they seem to be sleeping peacefully, but when you open the door a crack to check on them, they've pushed themselves into a corner of their crib into what appears to be the most uncomfortable sleeping position imaginable. If your baby doesn't sleep well, or has trouble getting back to sleep after they've woken up, this presents a serious dilemma. Do you go in, try to readjust them, and risk them waking up? Do you leave them in that uncomfortable-looking position and...2018-05-1811 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 090 - 5 Common Sleep MythsBen Franklin once said that the only guarantees in life were death and taxes. I think that must have been before he had kids, because he forgot to mention parenting advice. Information comes at you fast and plentifully after your first baby arrives, and although it's always given with the best intentions, some of it is, to be blunt, incorrect. In today's episode of The Sleep Sense Show, I'm looking at five of the most common myths surrounding your baby's sleep. I can't say for sure where they come from, but I can...2018-04-2724 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 089 - Breastfeeding and Sleep TrainingA lot of people new mothers (and old mothers alike) think that breastfeeding and sleeping through the night are mutually exclusive. For all of you breastfeeding mothers out there, I'm happy to report that this is simply not the case. While it's true that breast milk is digested faster than formula, breastfed babies are still capable of sleeping for more than a few hours at a time, and past the six-month mark, they're just as capable of sleeping through the night as their formula-fed counterparts. I'll explain why and give you some hints...2018-04-2017 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 088 - 4 Tips for Longer NapsDon't you just love that blissful moment in the late morning or early afternoon when you put your baby down for their nap? Watching them drift into a restful, rejuvenating daytime sleep is one of the most maternal sensations I know. Which makes it so much more aggravating when they wake up 20 minutes later and refuse to go back to sleep. Then they're cranky for the rest of the day, overtired at bedtime, and the next 24 hours leave you pulling your hair out in frustration. Sound familiar? Don't worry. On today's...2018-04-1317 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 087 - My Favorite Toddler Behavior TrickToddlers are very curious creatures, as I'm sure anyone who has one already knows, and they are constantly testing to see where the boundaries lie regarding their behavior. Although it may not seem like it, toddlers absolutely crave structure and rules. They test the limits all the time, but they don't actually want to see anything change. But those tests are often accompanied by tears, shrieking, and meltdowns. So how can you enforce the rules while avoiding the temper tantrums? Well, not to sound like an internet ad, but I have one simple trick that...2018-04-0610 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 086 - The Skin / Sleep ConnectionI'm super excited today to have Dr. Keira Barr on the show to tell us all about the role sleep plays in the health and well-being of our skin. As you probably already know, our skin is our largest organ, but you may be surprised at the information it provides into our overall health. You may also be interested (I know I was!) to learn how sleep and our skin are interconnected, and how the benefits of a good night's sleep can show up in a very real and noticeable way, all over your body.2018-03-3035 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 085 - What Does "Cry-It-Out" Really Mean?I just want to start off here by saying that The Sleep Sense Program is not what is considered a "cry-it-out" approach. But having said that, I think it's time that we took a look at the term and what it really means. Given all of the negativity and false information that has been thrown around about allowing babies to cry, I think new parents are often overwhelmed at the thought of even a few nighttime tears and the damage they might cause. So today, we'll take a look at what people really mean when...2018-03-2318 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 084 - 3 Things You Can Do Tonight for Better SleepToday, I'm going to try something a little different. I'm going to leave the kids out of the show altogether and focus specifically on you. Because even though we may forget it from time to time, your sleep is every bit as important as your little one's, and grown ups tend to have issues getting to sleep and staying asleep just as often as their babies. So today, I have three easy, effective tips for you that you can implement tonight to start improving your own sleep routine, on a special "Adults Only" edition of...2018-03-1617 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 083 - 5 Tips for the Early RiserAfter conquering their baby's persistent night wakings, many parents take a "Hey, that's good enough" approach if their little one insists on getting up at 5 in the morning. And if it really is good enough for you, if baby's gotten enough sleep through the night, and you're ready to start your day at 5 AM, power to you. But for those of you who are aching for that one extra hour in the morning, I want you to know that it's possible, and I'm going to tell you everything you need in order to help your...2018-03-0916 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 082 - Sleep Training With Twins"There are two things life doesn't prepare you for. Twins." There's no question that twins present a unique challenge to sleep training. Do you keep them on the same schedule, even if they don't seem to want to sleep at the same time? Should you keep them in the same room if one tends to wake the other up? Today, I have (hopefully) all the answers that you're looking for when it comes to sleep training twins. How to synchronize their routines, what to do when one of them starts crying...2018-03-0221 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 081 - Keep Your Toddler From Leaving Their RoomHow many times have you finished up your little one's bedtime routine, kissed them goodnight, tucked them in, turned out the light, only to see their adorable little face appear in the hallway five minutes later? And then five minutes after that? And again, and again, until bedtime ends in a series of tears and ultimatums. Keeping kids in their rooms is a tricky challenge. We can't just lock them in there, and they are oh so clever when it comes to figuring out which excuses get them a few extra minutes of awake time. ...2018-02-2319 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 080 - The Highs and Lows of the Mompreneur"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams." So said Oprah Winfrey, one of my biggest inspirations when I decided to start my own business, and she was absolutely right. And although I have realized my dream of being a mother and and entrepreneur, there are still moments that I wouldn't describe as especially dreamy. Combining a family and a small business has been an adventure like no other, and as more and more women are taking the brave, exhilarating steps into the "Mompreneur" field, I thought I...2018-02-1620 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 079 - "Scary Mommy" creator Jill SmoklerIf you have kids and a sense of humor, chances are you're already a big fan of my guest today. Jill Smokler is the creator of the "Scary Mommy" blog, and the author of the New York Times bestsellers, Confessions of A Scary Mommy and Motherhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies). Jill's honest, unfiltered, and hilarious take on parenthood has helped millions of parents, myself included, to accept the less-than-glamorous side of child-rearing with a smile, and reminds us all that we don't need to be perfect parents in order to be great ones.2018-02-0940 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 078 - The Pros and Cons of PacifiersEvery parent I  know has relied on the magic soothing abilities of a pacifier at one time or another, and for good reason. There's no arguing their effectiveness. Nothing quiets a crying baby faster with as little effort as popping a soother in their mouth. Now, I'm not anti-pacifier, but I do think they should be used in certain circumstances, and that they can have a negative effect on sleep if used at bedtime. In today's show, I'll tell you my thoughts on when is the right time to use them, when you should avoid i...2018-01-2621 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 077 - Diagnosing the Wrong DeficitAccording to a 2013 analysis by the NHIS, nearly 10% of children aged 4-17 will be diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. The trademark symptoms, hyperactivity, lack of focus, and forgetfulness, are easily attributed to the disorder, but my guest today has shown compelling evidence that many kids who display them are actually not suffering from ADHD at all, but actually from a lack of sleep. Dr Vatsal Thakkar, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine, and author of the New York Times opinion article Diagnosing the Wrong...2018-01-1936 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpsiode 076 - Getting Your Baby Out of Your BedSome parents love the experience of sleeping next to their baby, whereas others end up doing it out of necessity, enduring the inevitable fingers in the nose and late-night kicks to the belly in exchange for an otherwise peaceful night. But at some point, the time comes when your little one has to move into their own room and stay there, which, as many parents know, can be cause for a series of midnight meltdowns. In today's episode, I have a bunch of useful tips for deciding if it's the right time to make the...2018-01-1219 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 075 - Why my Husband is my Top PriorityFrom one mother to another, that probably sounds a little imprecise. "Besides your kids, of course," I can hear a lot of you thinking. But no, in fact. To me, maintaining a solid relationship with my partner is absolutely at the top of my list. I'll explain what I mean and why I feel it's justifiable in today's episode.2017-12-2920 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 074 - Dealing with Parental GuiltRaising a little one is probably the most important job most parents will have in their lives. The responsibility that comes along with bringing up a child can't be overstated. And nobody in the history of parenting has ever gotten it 100% right. We're all going to make mistakes. We're going to say the wrong thing or overreact in situations, and once we've had a moment to think about it, we're all going to feel a little guilty. Parental guilt is an unavoidable aspect of having a child, but I've learned a few things...2017-12-2220 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 073 - Parenting Expert Jo Frost Today I'm delighted to welcome global parenting expert Jo Frost, the screen hit success of International shows such as Supernanny, NannyOnTour and Family Matters. We will be discussing all sorts of Family topics so please tune in, and for those of you who wish to receive Ms. Frost's help, you can do so privately via her Private Family Consultations company where Frost provides a bespoke fee service to help families with all parental/family challenges from baby care to sleep, eating, behavioral issues,tantrums, social development problems for all ages including juggling home and work life. 2017-12-151h 01The Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 072 - Should You Ever Wake a Sleeping Baby?It's a valid question, for sure. After all the hard work you've put into getting your baby to sleep, now you're concerned that they might be sleeping too well. Will an extra long nap mess with their bedtime or throw their schedule off? What if she's sleeping past the time when she normally eats? Is it ever a good move to wake a sleeping baby? Well, I'm happy to report that this is about as close to a yes-or-no answer as you're likely to get in parenting, and I'll tell you where I stand and where the...2017-12-0814 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 071 - Days and Nights Mixed Up?So your baby is managing to sleep a solid 10 - 12 hours at a time. That's great! Or at least it would be, if it was happening at night. This is actually a very common scenario with parents of infants, where their little one seems to have their days and nights mixed up. They sleep almost all day long, then wake up in the evening and stay awake throughout the night. So is it possible for your little one to actually establish a nocturnal sleep pattern, and if so, what do you do to remedy the...2017-12-0114 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 069 - 6 Signs Your Kid is a BratEvery kid has moments when they lose their cool, whine, pout or otherwise act like a brat. But we all know at least one kid who seems to define the term perfectly. They whine from the moment they get up in the morning, they throw a fit every time they don't get their way, they have to have things exactly how they want them... you've met one, I'm sure. And for a lot of parents, when they see those traits in their own kids, the thought often crosses their mind, "Am I raising...2017-11-1035 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowDaylight Savings TimeTwice a year, every year, the powers that be set out to sabotage all the hard work you've done to get your child sleeping on a predictable, reliable schedule. Alright, technically speaking, that's not the actual intention of daylight saving(s) time, but that's pretty much all it accomplishes in the eyes of the parents of a youngster. Hopefully, one day we'll just do away with this obsolescent practice, but until then I have some strategies that will help your little ones adjust to the time change and get back to normal as quickly and...2017-11-0315 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 067 - Surviving ColicAs though the challenges of being a new parent weren't enough, about forty percent of babies will be afflicted with a little something extra, known as colic. Colic, as many parents are unfortunately aware, is marked by extended periods of inconsolable, hysterical crying, and although it's almost always resolved by the fourth month, any parent who has been through the experience will tell you it is a seriously rough ride. So today I have some tips for you, not just for soothing your baby if they're dealing with colic, but for calming your nerves and...2017-10-2721 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 066 - Dinnertime RulesHaving kids is the most rewarding, inspiring, blessed experience a person can have. No question about it. They're adorable, innocent, and so full of wonder as they discover the world around them. And it's a good thing, because if anyone without those qualities sat at my table, told me my cooking was "gross" and threw a lovingly prepared meal across the room, I can safely say that they wouldn't be invited back. Mealtime can be a real battle with kids in the house, and it's no laughing matter when it gets to be a daily...2017-10-2020 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 065 - The Benefits of BoredomWe all get a little bored from time to time, but kids are especially susceptible to moments of tedium and dullness.  And what's worse, they really like to let us parents know when they're feeling bored. They'll place themselves directly in front of us, lie on the floor, stare at the ceiling, and repeatedly tell us in no uncertain terms how unbelievably bored they are, which can be frustrating for parents who feel like they need to provide entertainment. But boredom isn't necessarily a bad thing, despite what your kids would have you b...2017-10-1315 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 064 - Don't YellI don't know if anyone can honestly claim to have never yelled at their kids before. I know I have, and I also know that I'm a better parent when I don't. With that in mind, I have a few tips in today's show to help you maintain your composure and communicate effectively without raising your voice when your kids are pushing you to the breaking point.2017-10-0621 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 063 - Designer DaddyToday, for the first time ever, we have a real, live, honest-to-goodness man on the show! Brent Almond is the owner of Designer Daddy. "A gay dad blogger parenting with style, sass and sentiment." We'll be talking about how he got started, where he gets his inspiration, and what it's like to be one half of a two-dad parenting team. He's also the creative force behind a new line of heartwarming parenting products; ones I'm sure you're going to absolutely love.2017-09-2934 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 062 - Moving Tips with Christine StevensMoving from one house to another is one of the most stressful events in a person's life, but if you throw a couple of kids into the equation, it can turn the aggravation meter up another few notches, to say the least. Today, I'm talking to Christine Stevens, one of my esteemed Sleep Sense Consultants and a true veteran when it comes to moving with little ones. She's got some amazing tips for keeping your little ones occupied and happy while you make the transition from your old house to the new one, and make...2017-09-2227 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 061 - Managing Screen TimeTV, computers, tablets and smartphones have proven to be a pretty invaluable resource for parents over the years. Bright lights, fun games, catchy music and colorful images can be a great way to distract your little one for a little while, and in many cases, these devices can be great educational tools as well. But, as with anything that our kids love, there's a balance that needs to be struck between how much they want and how much is good for them. On today's show, I'll give you my take on how much screen time...2017-09-1517 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 060 - The Four Month Sleep RegressionIs there such a thing a the "Four-month sleep regression?" Absolutely. But it seems like every time our little ones hit a bump in the road when it comes to sleeping through the night, we try to put a label on the problem. That's not to say that regressions aren't a real thing, but identifying the actual cause for a few rough nights in baby's routine can help you decide what course of action to take (if any) and in today's episode, I'll help you do just that.2017-09-0825 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 059 - Back to School Sleep TipsSummertime brings about a lot of new experiences for kids. For many, it can be their first time traveling, meeting relatives, visiting theme parks, and any number of exciting adventures. But it also means that the schedule they follow during the school year tends to get tossed out the window, especially when it comes to bedtime. So now that they're headed back to school, how can you get them back into the rhythm and make sure they're getting the sleep they need? It's easier than you think, with the right guidance, and I'm...2017-09-0116 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 058 - My StoryWhen I was preparing to welcome my first child into the world, I had a distinct, utopian vision of what motherhood was going to be like. The reality of motherhood didn't match it in the least. The first six months of motherhood were actually some of the hardest days of my life. I loved my baby, of course, but I also experienced overwhelming feelings of failure and guilt. Today, I'd like to tell you about what brought this on, and what I did (and what you can do, if you're feeling the same...2017-08-1829 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 057 - Life After Materity LeaveWhen the time comes to return to work after the birth of a child, how many women can say that they feel genuinely ready? Not just physically, although that's certainly an important factor, but emotionally prepared and comfortable to leave their newborn for long stretches during the day with someone else. For those of us who have been through the process, we know how stressful and emotionally taxing it can be. Enter Lauren Brody Smith, author of The Fifth Trimester - The Working Mom’s Guide To Style, Sanity & Big Success After Baby.2017-08-1050 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 056 - Travel TipsSo you've finally got your little one sleeping soundly through the night. You've established a great bedtime routine, you're sticking to it every night, and baby's learned to settle independently when she wakes up in the night. But now it's vacation time, so how are you going to adhere to your schedule when everything's thrown into upheaval? Well, the short answer is, you're not. You're going to have to deal with the change in surroundings and schedule as best you can. So in today's episode, I've got some tips for minimizing the impact that travel...2017-08-0417 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 055 - Transitioning to Fewer NapsFor most of the families I've worked with, getting their kids to sleep through the night is the easy part. Getting them to take long, consolidated naps? That's where things get tricky. One of the major reasons for this is because, unlike nighttime sleep, the number and length of naps required for babies and toddlers changes relatively quickly. Today, I'll be giving you a rundown of how much daytime sleep your little one needs, and how to spot the signs that they're ready to cut one out altogether.2017-07-2820 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 054 - Conflicting Parenting Advice"Always do the right thing, unless it's the wrong thing to do, in which case, never do that." If you're looking for parenting advice online, or from a varied group of experts, friends, or professionals, that's pretty much what it feels like for a new mom. For every piece of advice you get, there are two people waiting around the corner who will tell you that, not only is that not the best approach, it's actually harmful. In this week's episode, I've got some tips for navigating the endless ocean of input you'll...2017-07-2016 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 053 - Timeout Dos and Don'tsThe good old "Time Out" is one of the most reliable tools available to parents when it comes to correcting problem behavior, but it's not always as simple as it sounds. There are plenty of situations where time-outs might not seem like a fitting, or available, strategy. After all, where are you supposed to take your child for a little quiet time if you're in a movie theater, or out for dinner? Beyond that, how do we know that we're teaching our kids what kind of behavior we're actually asking of them if we just...2017-07-1426 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 052 - Kids and MelatoninEver since it was made publicly available in the 1990s, synthetic melatonin has been renowned as a "natural" sleep aid, and its popularity has increased to the point where almost everyone is familiar with the name. The problem with the "natural" designation is that people tend to equate it with, "safe," and I've heard of pediatricians recommending melatonin for babies, literally babies who are having trouble sleeping. On today's episode, I've got a little bit of a rant against using pills and supplements to fix problems with kids' sleep issues, and an alternative plan that...2017-07-0724 minEntrepreneurs on Fire Business PodcastEntrepreneurs on Fire Business PodcastBe present with your family, do work that matters, and earn a great income with Dana OblemanDana is a former schoolteacher who turned her passion -- helping babies sleep through the night -- into a 7-figure business. Today, she's equally "ignited" about helping OTHER women launch their own businesses so they can "be present" with their families, do work that matters, and earn a great income!2017-06-3021 minEntrepreneurs on FireEntrepreneurs on FireBe present with your family, do work that matters, and earn a great income with Dana OblemanDana is a former schoolteacher who turned her passion -- helping babies sleep through the night -- into a 7-figure business. Today, she's equally "ignited" about helping OTHER women launch their own businesses so they can "be present" with their families, do work that matters, and earn a great income! Sponsors: VideoBlocks: Looking for premium stock footage or a music track for your next big project? Visit VideoBlocks.com/fire for a 2 for 1 deal: get AudioBlocks for free when you sign up for your $149 VideoBlocks subscription!2017-06-3021 minEntrepreneurs on FireEntrepreneurs on FireBe present with your family, do work that matters, and earn a great income with Dana OblemanDana is a former schoolteacher who turned her passion -- helping babies sleep through the night -- into a 7-figure business. Today, she's equally "ignited" about helping OTHER women launch their own businesses so they can "be present" with their families, do work that matters, and earn a great income!2017-06-3021 minEntrepreneurs on Fire Business PodcastEntrepreneurs on Fire Business PodcastBe present with your family, do work that matters, and earn a great income with Dana OblemanDana is a former schoolteacher who turned her passion -- helping babies sleep through the night -- into a 7-figure business. Today, she's equally "ignited" about helping OTHER women launch their own businesses so they can "be present" with their families, do work that matters, and earn a great income! Sponsors: VideoBlocks: Looking for premium stock footage or a music track for your next big project? Visit VideoBlocks.com/fire for a 2 for 1 deal: get AudioBlocks for free when you sign up for your $149 VideoBlocks subscription!2017-06-3021 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 051 - Getting Started With The Sleep Sense ProgramThey say that the hardest part of getting started... is getting started. This can be especially true when you're sleep training your little one. The time never seems to be quite right, there's always an upcoming occasion or obligation that seems to keep families from taking that first step. So today, I've got some advice for getting up and running with the Sleep Sense Program. When to start, when to avoid getting started, and a little encouragement for what's, let's face it, a challenging first step down a glorious road.2017-06-2920 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 050 - Allowing Kids to FailAs parents, there's nothing so difficult as standing aside and watching your child fail at something. Whether it's sports or schoolwork, or just taking a harmless tumble, we're always ready to swoop in and provide that extra guidance, support, and help they need in order to ensure they succeed. But is that "help" actually depriving them of valuable learning experiences? At what point are we ready to allow our kids to fail at things? My guest on Today's show is Jessica Lahey, author of The Gift of Failure-How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go...2017-06-2353 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 049 - Why I Hated BreastfeedingBefore the title causes a knee-jerk reaction from breastfeeding advocates, let me just say that this week's episode is, in no way, intended to discourage mothers who are happily and successfully breastfeeding. This is just an honest account of my experience with breastfeeding and the life lessons it taught me. It's blunt, it's straight-forward, and it's sincere, but as the title suggests, breastfeeding did NOT go well for my first child and I, and the pressure I put on myself to make it work was intense. It was also, as I realized later...2017-06-1624 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 048 - 3 Big Potty Training MistakesEvery parent looks forward to the day when they can finally say goodbye to diapers, but the process usually isn't a lot of fun. Kids tend to protest change and that can lead to some unpleasant and occasionally embarrassing accidents. Today, I'll tell you about three of the biggest mistakes parents make when they're potty training their little ones, and help you avoid them, as well as a few tips to help minimize the conflict and even make potty training fun for both you and your child.2017-06-0918 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 047 - Better Sleep Through "Body Wisdom"I recently read a fascinating book by Dr. Rachel Carlton Abrams called Bodywise: Discovering Your Body’s Intelligence for Lifelong Health and Healing, and I have to say, I was absolutely captivated from cover to cover. Which is why I'm so excited to be speaking with her on today's podcast! We talk about sleep (naturally) and the health problems caused when we don't get enough of it, but we also discuss whether or not today’s modern lifestyle (hurried meals, device addiction, etc.) is responsible for an increase in women feeling “tired” all the time, and what can be d...2017-06-0144 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 046 - How Diet Affects SleepMost of us, by the time we have kids, are savvy enough not to feed them energy drinks or sugary snacks right before bed. (Most of us. Not all.) Because, obviously, a bunch of caffeine and sugar will get them fired up and make it hard for them to sleep. But those aren't the only culprits hiding in your kids' food that might cause them some sleep issues. Today, I'm looking at the correlation between diet and sleep, and I'll give you some hints on foods to avoid, as well as a few to encourage...2017-05-2517 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 045 - Crazy Sleep PropsThe dreaded sleep prop. Whether it's a pacifier, a breast, or rocking motions provided by Mom every time baby wakes in the night, they're the single biggest cause of baby not sleeping through the night. Which is ironic, because that's the very reason people employ them in the first place. Don't get me wrong. As the parent of a once-terrible sleeper myself, I know how desperate we can get to find something, anything, that will help us get our babies to fall asleep. Today, I'm looking back at some of the more innovative, bizarre, and...2017-05-1815 minThe Sleep Sense ShowThe Sleep Sense ShowEpisode 044 - 4 Common Toddler RoadblocksThe toddler years are an amazing experience for both parents and kids. New skills and personality traits seem to develop almost every day, and it's a really fascinating process to be a part of. But as they develop, they like to experiment and see where their boundaries are, so there are usually some frustrating moments to go along with the magical ones, and a whole bunch of those boundary-testing moments are likely to happen around bedtime. Today, I'm discussing the 4 most common challenges parents are likely to face when it comes to toddlers and sleep...2017-05-1121 min