GRAND Fall 2021
Victoria Vancouver Island Grandparenting Magazine Fall 2021, Profile: Linda Rogers, poet, novelist, essayist and kid-at-heart; On-the Job Training: Learning from our grandchildren; 5 Photo Sharing Apps;Grandparent Giving: Financial help that makes a difference
Victoria Vancouver Island Grandparenting Magazine Fall 2021,
Profile: Linda Rogers, poet, novelist, essayist and kid-at-heart; On-the Job Training: Learning from our grandchildren; 5 Photo Sharing Apps;Grandparent Giving: Financial help that makes a difference
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<strong>GRAND</strong>parenting<br />
Sleep Solutions for<br />
Grandkid Sleepovers<br />
The day has come when Mom and<br />
Dad need a break. Grandparents<br />
having been anticipating and<br />
looking forward to the day where they<br />
can have their grandbaby overnight.<br />
So much excitement in the air for both<br />
the parents and grandparents. Parents<br />
get a night out and grandparent finally<br />
feel helpful. This sets the stage for<br />
such great feelings doesn’t it? Until it’s<br />
time to sleep….<br />
diaper bag and off you go. However, if<br />
your baby is highly sensitive to their<br />
environment they will most surely<br />
protest a night at grandparents but<br />
that doesn’t mean it can’t happen or be<br />
successful, it may just take a bit more<br />
preparation.<br />
There are many things grandparents<br />
and parents can do to prepare the<br />
baby for a successful day and night at<br />
grandparents’ house.<br />
Create the most conducive<br />
environment for sleep.<br />
If grandparents have a room that<br />
they can set up similarly to the baby’s<br />
room at home that would be a great<br />
start. Doesn’t mean you need to redo<br />
the guest room by any means but having<br />
the correct “equipment” is salient.<br />
This can include a “pack and play” to<br />
be used a crib, a sound machine and<br />
portable black out blinds. When the<br />
visit is over, these item can be easily<br />
put away in the closet or go home with<br />
the baby. Also don’t forget the baby’s<br />
sleep clothes and favorite blanket or<br />
stuffy. These transitional objects will<br />
help the baby drift off to sleep more<br />
easily.<br />
The baby’s personality will mostly<br />
dictate whether or not the night at<br />
grandparents is going to go well. If<br />
your baby is easy going, “goes with<br />
the flow” and will sleep anywhere,<br />
then little preparation may be needed<br />
for a parent’s night out. Drop off the<br />
Follow a schedule and routine<br />
through the day.<br />
I know that grandparents want to be<br />
fun and spontaneous and they should!<br />
But only if it’s not time to sleep. Trust<br />
me, if you want to have fun with your<br />
grandbaby, you don’t want to miss the<br />
sleep cues or veer too far off schedule.<br />
This will not be fun for anyone. A<br />
baby that doesn’t sleep, can be cranky.<br />
Keep in mind that an overtired baby is<br />
22 Grand grandmag.ca
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