As an infant sleep consultant, I have heard lots of sad and dysfunctional sleep stories this summer from families while they were vacationing. In fact, I never encourage sleep training right before or right after a family vacation. The word "vacation" is a secret code to all little people that means "stay awake at all costs". It has been this way since the beginning of time and I see no sign of change ahead.
Family vacations with four little ones have been some of the best days of my life. Please don't think that the equations I am sharing mean you shouldn't vacation with small children. After a couple of weeks, 6 months tops, you will be looking at your vacation pics and not even remember the lack of sleep.
Five minutes to destination=time to fall asleep
Time to fall asleep=necessary bathroom stop
Hotel beds=trampolines
One person asleep=all persons asleep
One person awake=all persons awake
Everyone sleeping in one room=Mom nursing in the bathroom
Everyone sleeping in one room=automatic party
Long naps in the car=late night at Grandma's
Time change=no change
Double beds=minimum of 3 family members
Lack of sleep=fond memories
I hope my children don't remember being tired on family vacations. Instead, I hope they remember the quality time spent together, visiting loved ones and learning about the world. This is time well spent. We have plenty of time in our life to sleep.
Family vacations with four little ones have been some of the best days of my life. Please don't think that the equations I am sharing mean you shouldn't vacation with small children. After a couple of weeks, 6 months tops, you will be looking at your vacation pics and not even remember the lack of sleep.
Five minutes to destination=time to fall asleep
Time to fall asleep=necessary bathroom stop
Hotel beds=trampolines
One person asleep=all persons asleep
One person awake=all persons awake
Everyone sleeping in one room=Mom nursing in the bathroom
Everyone sleeping in one room=automatic party
Long naps in the car=late night at Grandma's
Time change=no change
Double beds=minimum of 3 family members
Lack of sleep=fond memories
I hope my children don't remember being tired on family vacations. Instead, I hope they remember the quality time spent together, visiting loved ones and learning about the world. This is time well spent. We have plenty of time in our life to sleep.
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