Expectations can be tricky things, can't they? On the one hand, setting expectations helps to shape behaviors (both ours and others') and to set healthy boundaries (again, in our lives and in the lives of others). But expectations can also backfire on us, can't they? Unhealthy expectations can turn what is a perfectly normal, reasonable situation or event into something that feels disappointing or sad. For instance, if you are expecting a big surprise party for your birthday, and instead get
self soothing
The Top 2 Self-Soothing Myths BUSTED (We Hate #2!)
Google the phrase 'self-soothing', and you know what you'll find? You'll find an assortment of the most contradictory articles you can imagine. You'll find articles offering you tips on how to help your baby learn to self soothe, as well as articles telling you that self-soothing is impossible for babies, and that teaching a baby to self-soothe will lead to permanent emotional and psychological damage. Gotta love the internet, right? ;-) But seriously, what's a well-meaning parent to make
Your Toddler’s Weird Self-Soothing Behaviors Explained
Let's be honest for a moment. Our toddlers are cute -- no doubt about that! -- but sometimes, their behavior is...well...weird. Picking their noses in public? Drinking the bathwater? Insisting on being naked at all times? Throwing tantrums over the color of their socks? Yeah...toddlers can be strange little people sometimes! And speaking of strange -- have any of you ever noticed that your toddler sometimes engages in some rather odd self-soothing behavior before naptime or bedtime?
Do We Expect Too Much to Have Babies Self-Soothe to Sleep?
Not too long ago, I received several e-mails all pertaining to the same thing: a new book called Go the F**k to Sleep. I thought some of the book was funny, and I can definitely understand the frustration and emotion that sparked the title. I remember screaming in my head "GO TO SLEEP!!!!" (without the F part!) when my baby was not sleeping, too! Of course, with a title like this, it's bound to ruffle feathers. Are you implying that our babies are purposely not sleeping to somehow get back at