Separation Anxiety at Bedtime: Understanding the Reasons

by Shannon Wassenaar | Jul 12, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Reason 1: Your Child Has a One-Track MindReason 2: Your Child is Wired for Closeness With YouReason 3: Your Child Feels Things DeeplyA Bedtime Separation Solution: Building a Connection BridgeBedtime Behaviour is CommunicationKey Takeaways Your child is tired. You’ve...

Bedtime Fear Strategies: Why Kids Get Scared At Night And How To Help

by Shannon Wassenaar | Jul 12, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Table of ContentsReason 1: Your Child Has a Growing ImaginationReason 2: Your Child is Adjusting to Stressful Life ChangesReason 3: Your Child Has Seen Something Unsettling Key Takeaways It’s time for bed, and your child starts crying. They look up at you with...

How To Improve Your Child’s Sleep Without Letting Them Cry It Out

by Shannon Wassenaar | Jul 12, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Strategy 1: Bridge Bedtime Separation With ConnectionStrategy 2: Track Your Child’s Sleep NeedsStrategy 3: Switch Up the Bedtime RoutineKey Takeaways Common advice when struggling with a child’s sleep often involves “just letting them cry”,...

The Ultimate Guide to Toddler and Preschooler Sleep Struggles

by Shannon Wassenaar | Jul 11, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

Reason 1: Your Child is ScaredReason 2: Your Child Needs the Right Amount of SleepReason 3: Your Child Doesn’t Want You to LeaveReason 4: Your Child Needs Movement Before BedReason 5: Your Child Is Experiencing Something NewA New Perspective on Sleep StrugglesKey...

Encouraging Independent Play: A Guide To Creating Invitations To Play

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Feb 13, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

1. Start with small invitations together2. Create a “yes space”3. Follow your child’s interests4. Trust the process5. Stay out of their way6. Understand developmental norms Play is essential for helping kids learn skills like creativity, leadership,...

Why Spanking And Taking Things Away Isn’t Effective

by Jess VanderWier, MA, RP | Feb 13, 2023 | Toddler, Preschooler, Big Kid

SpankingTaking things awayFinal thoughts As a therapist, I have been asked over and over by parents what my thoughts are on traditional methods of discipline, such as time-outs, spanking and taking things away. Since we have previously talking about time-outs, I...