Sleep deprivation. Any parent of a young child (or children) has felt its acute sting. Whether it’s those first weeks with a new babe, a developmental leap, or some other cause, we have ALL been there (and if you haven’t you’d do well to not mention it…).

Now, I’m not an expert by any means. Part of the reason I’m writing this post is in an attempt to ground myself by extracting clear observations from the muddle that is my brain in its current state. This said, we had something of a breakthrough on Wednesday night. Yes, I’m calling four hours of straight sleep a breakthrough.

It was a breakthrough because a few days ago I hit my wall; that point of tears when you are so tired you almost want someone to take you out, and your children have no sympathy for your state, so they continue to scream and endanger themselves and engage in other activities that overtired children tend towards. I called my husband, let a few choice words slip, and realized that I needed to take a step back and look at this from a different angle.

Ordered lists always make challenges seem less formidable, no?

1. What triggered this downward spiral?
   We’ve all been sick with fevers, stomach bugs and sinus infections, which in turn led to poor food choices (lots of rice toast and little broth, protein or veggies) and bad sleep. The sickness has been a sticky one, so 8 days in, it’s no wonder we were all a mess! Other common triggers for us include constipation, food sensitivities (dairy and eggs are two big culprits), developmental leaps, new teeth (though we just survived teeth 19 and 20, so hopefully we’re in the clear on this one), a new or full moon, bug bites, or any combination of the above!
2. A little personal reflection…
   I have moments of great failure as a parent. I never got the hang of no sleep, so the longer it goes on, the grumpier I get, and the tighter my inner spring is wound. Kids are incredibly perceptive. My “little mirrors” serve as a constant reminder that the “tighter I’m wound” the more they respond in-kind with anxious, mischievous, or aggressive behavior. Yup, on some level it is truly within my control to change. So I’m trying to be more self-aware, and not just aware, but conscious in a way that motivates me to do something about it. I must make a concentrated effort to achieve inner calm and outer peace, and to set the vibe that we need to move us back toward the land of nod. Some of my mantras as I get back in sync: “More laughing, less yelling. More knitting, less screen time. Just let it go.”
3. Non-emotional approaches
   I wish I could say that setting the mood works its magic every time. While it can play a huge part, sorry, nope. As with many of life’s challenges, you often have to come at it from different angles, hoping that some combination will do the trick! Homeopathy is a gentle and often effective way to encourage the body to adjust itself and find balance again. One of our favorites for bedtime or general meltdown is “Calms Forte 4 Kids” by Hylands. Another gentle oral option based on flower essences is Rescue Remedy for Kids (alcohol free). The “adult” versions of these remedies are also super (in my personal experience)! We also utilize Epsom salt baths, which work for both relaxation and detoxification.
4. Snuggle time without a “mission” (Because they know when the goal is just sleep!)
   Once things start to wind down, reading books, back rubs, and falling asleep with your little one(s) can be the icing on the cake after a long day. Or week. Or month.

Again, I don’t profess to have the answer. I write this post simply to put into words some things that have worked for our family and to serve as a reminder to take a step back the next time I find myself at the end of my rope.

To peaceful sleep!