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Dana has two children (a 3-year old son, Henry, and an 8-month old daughter, Jillian) that are excellent sleepers! They begin each night with a predictable bedtime routine to know that sleep is near.
A good night’s sleep is the best
way to start the day. One Early
Intervention family was at a sleep breaking point and contacted
Dana from Sleep Wise Consulting for help creating bedtime routines. The experience
was so positive that the EI family decided to share her information with their Service Coordinator and
now Dana is sharing simple bedtime tips with you.
Hello! My name is Dana Mihajlovic
and I am a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant with Sleep Wise Consulting. I have helped over 200 families of newborns,
infants, toddlers, or school-aged children become better sleepers and get the
sleep they need and deserve. I am passionate about creating successful sleep
stories and transforming families from exhausted to refreshed.
As your family transitions to fall, I would like to share my
top tips for helping everyone in your home get the sleep they need:
Top Tips for
Creating a Successful Family Bedtime Routine
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Have
everyone choose a short book or song. It’s fun and educational to add
books and songs into your bedtime routine. Mix it up so everyone gets a turn
choosing both over the course of the week.
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Say “good
night” to objects around the room. Before the kids hop into bed, everyone
should pick one thing to say “good night” to aloud. For example, someone might
say, “Good night, window.” Someone else might say, “Good night, door.” Choose
new objects over the course of the week.
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Have the
bedtime routine take place in child’s room. It can really help to
minimize distractions and delays if the bedtime routine takes place where your
child sleeps.
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Keep the
bedtime routine to 30 minutes or less. You want to ensure your child
doesn’t get overtired or a second wind if the bedtime routine takes too long. A
suggested bedtime routine like this usually takes about 30 minutes: Bath,
pajamas, books, songs, say “good night” to objects around the room,
hugs/kisses, and lights out.
Don’t delay in getting started with this bedtime routine as
soon as tonight! If you have any questions or want to talk about our sleep
package options, please don’t hesitate to email or call me.
Sleep tight,
Dana Mihajlovic
dana@sleepwiseconsulting.com
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
(847) 682-5949
www.sleepwiseconsulting.com
Dear Sleep, I know we had problems when I was younger, but I love you
now.
- Author Unknown
 Author Spotlight: Margaret Wise Brown
Goodnight Moon is a classic bedtime book for young
children. It tells the story of a little
bunny saying Goodnight to his favorite items in the great green room.
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Parent Support Group started by an Early
Intervention Mom
When
Lacy Crawford moved to Illinois with her family, she was looking for local
support to help meet the developmental and educational goals for her daughter
and son with different special needs. Her son was in Early Intervention
at that time and now attends preschool in the same school district as his
sister. Lacy wanted to know about doctors, schools, therapists and other
family support options in her community. She recognized a need, then
created a Facebook group for families with children that have special needs. Parents looking for similar support can join the over 80-member group to
share information, ask questions or share events.
Join the Facebook Group: Lake County IL Special Needs Parents
Contact Lacy in the Facebook Group to learn more about the Buddy Break Respite Event for families on October 27 in Lake Zurich.
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New Illinois Law Requires Children to Remain in Rear-Facing Car Seats Until Two
Advocate Children’s Hospital Car Seat Program: Call (708) 684-7019 to make an appointment to have your child’s car seat checked by a certified car seat technician. Or call your local Fire or Police Department to ask about care seat checks.
More info »
Illinois Pumpkin Patches and More.org
Using this site, you can search for Fall and Halloween fun near you.
More info »
Kohl Children's Museum Everyone at Play
Families in Early intervention can attend this free morning of play for families and children with special needs. Come explore and play with the 17 different exhibits. The first 2 hours are for Everyone at Play guests only. You can stay all day without having to pay. Registration is required with Cori by calling (847) 832-6875 or email cpaulsrud@kcmgc.org.
Dates:
- 2018 - 10/21, 11/18
- 2019 - 1/13, 2/17, 5/19, 6/23
Time:
More info »
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Family fun at the EI July Ryerson Woods Playgroup in Riverwoods. Families listened to the story Winter is Coming, walked to the barn to feed sheep and took a walk on one of the Nature paths. I hope you can attend one of the upcoming playgroups.
Melissa Carnes
Parent Liaison
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If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Melissa Carnes, Parent Liaison, at
MCarnes@lakecountyil.gov or (847) 377-8923.
Kroll Fall Harvest Farm
Date: Thursday, October 4
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Address: 13236 W. Town Line Road, Waukegan (enter off York House Road)
Details: This family friendly farm is perfect for a playgroup. Go on a hay ride, feed farm animals, pick a little pumpkin to take home.
Cost: $10 per family (we need at least 5 families to attend for playgroup to run)
Therapeutic Links Playtime
Date: Wednesday, October 17
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Address: 998 Progress Drive, Grayslake
Info: Children will play with fun toys that use their large muscles.
Cost: FREE
Jammin Jungle Gym at the Park District of Highland Park
Date: Saturday, November 17
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Address: 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Info: The indoor playground is perfect for toddlers and crawlers. Fun for all ages!
Cost: FREE
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