LilSugar

How Strict Are You With Bedtime?

LilSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:52 -0700

Good night, sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite! If only getting lil ones down to dreamland was that easy! Children have a way of pushing their bedtime to the limits by thirsting for another drink, saying they need the bathroom and sweetly asking us to read "just one more book."

New research shows that providing tots with strict bedtimes can improve the quality and quantity of the shut-eye they receive and their overall health. According to the study, families with lower levels of income and education were less likely to enforce a strict end of the day (this was attributed to stress levels and fewer routines), and their children's health and sleep patterns suffered. The authors of the study also emphasized the importance of a nightly bedtime routine to help the tots fall asleep faster. Most parents dream their children would nod off to sleep without putting up a fight, but that rarely happens. How do you enforce bedtime in your home?

Got a few pointers you've picked up along the way for getting your tot into bed at an early time? Join our Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me? group over in our LilSugar community and share your tips!

Lil Tip: Sing Your Children to Sleep

LilSugar — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

When it comes to my singing, I've got a couple of fans. My son and daughter don't mind that my vocals are off tune, in fact, my tunes help them sleep. If your tot has trouble transitioning from bathtub to bedtime, try breaking out in song. Turn this into a fun activity by having them help you with the lyrics. Once you perfect the tune specific to the child, sing or hum it to soothe them.
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lil Big Screen: Bedtime Stories

LilSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0800

I've been a sucker for Adam Sandler since Saturday Night Live, and even more so after he chatted up his daughters on Letterman, but it was my 4-year-old who practically dragged me to his latest flick, Bedtime Stories, after she saw it rained gumballs in the trailer.

Once we settled into our seats to watch the story of Skeeter Bronson (Adam Sandler), a hotel handy man who collaboratively tells imaginative tales with his niece and nephew that come true, I was enjoying the movie as much as my daughter. The four bedtime fantasies - Medieval, old West, ancient Greece, and outer space - are brought to life with the cast members playing roles in each tale. The result is a fantastical adventure filled with a mermaid, a red horse, chariot X-games and a booger monster that keeps kids sitting in their seats and adults engaged.

To hear more about the movie and watch the trailer, read more.

While the younger set is smitten with Bugsy, a pet guinea pig with unusually big eyes and a personality to match, the scenes between Skeeter and the children, Patrick (Jonathan Morgan Heit) and Bobbi (Laura Ann Kesling), are what pulls on a parent's heartstrings. When his uptight sister Wendy (Courteney Cox), goes to Arizona in search of a new job, the laid-back uncle who barely knows his charges steps in and becomes a goofy yet sincere hero of sorts to the kids who don't have a father figure. From allowing the children to eat their first burger to roasting marshmallows on the roof of the hotel, Skeeter forges a bond with the youngsters and wins over Jill (Keri Russell), Wendy's environmentally conscious friend, who helps with babysitting duties.

If you're looking for a whimsical family movie that will give you a chance to relax and laugh with your lil ones, Bedtime Stories is a must-see.

Courtesy of Disney

Pimp Your Crib: Bedtime Stories Bedroom

LilSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:00:55 -0800

Every lil one needs a fabulous lair - a place for them to rest their head as well as play during the day. In Bedtime Stories, which hits theaters on Christmas, Adam Sandler plays Skeeter Bronson, an uncle who collaboratively tells bedtime tales to his niece and nephew that mysteriously come true. Filled with educational items, from butterfly shadow boxes to an iMac desktop, the room is where the imaginative stories are born. To create a similar look for your lil one, check out the options below!

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Tell Mommy: What Is Your Bedtime Routine

babysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

A friend of mine called me the other evening desperate for some bedtime routine ideas. Her two-and-a-half year old son had suddenly turned his back on their nightly bath, book and bed ritual. The usually great sleeper had taken to screaming bloody murder for up to an hour and half while working himself up to a sweat. He was demanding to get up, refusing to lie down and couldn't even be calmed enough to discuss why he wouldn't go to sleep.

When she finally could calm him down, he insisted on her lying on the floor and singing the "Wheels on the Bus" until he fell asleep - usually another 30 minutes or so. Needless to say, she was exhausted and her son was falling asleep on his way to school each morning. After telling her about some of our nightly rituals, I got to wondering about other options. What is your bedtime routine?

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Lil Links: Adam Sandler Riles His Lil Sadie Up With His Bedtime Stories

LilSugar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:00:47 -0800

Sadie Sandler goes crazy over Adam's bedtime stories - Celebrity Baby Blog
Working from home isn't always easy for moms - Cool Mom
Historical babies kick in the new year - Fit Pregnancy
New Year's traditions - The Poop
Kingston Rossdale rocks and rolls - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Bristol Palin sells her son Tripp's first baby photos - Parent Dish
How to painlessly save $100 a month - Alpha Mom
In 2009... - CafeMom

Bedtime Story: Recalled Toys

LilSugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:30:12 -0800

All this recall madness is maddening, but it's especially crazy when lil kids start discussing it. I suppose it's inevitable since protective parents around the globe are raiding their children's toy boxes to rid them of harmful toys.

From toxic paint to GHB, my 3-year-old daughter's heard me chatting and gasping about them all. Then, last week after coming home from a friend's house she said, "They had some recalled toys, but don't worry I just played with them. I didn't lick them!"

Bedtime Story: Bath Time

babysugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:00:56 -0800

My little girl loves bath time, especially all the brightly colored squirt animals that come with it. She splashes, giggles, squirts, and plays the entire time.

We always do a count down before she gets out, "1, 2, 3! Bath time's over!" and scoop her out of the tub. But, last night she decided to give us a little extra show. Just as my husband finished the countdown, she stood up and peed.

As a parent you try not to encourage naughty behavior, but sometimes you're just dumbfounded, and all you can do is laugh. So we did. It took us a minute to realize she was probably cold and not so clean (anymore).
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Do You Let Your Kids Stay Up Late on New Year's Eve?

LilSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:00:22 -0800

Though some moms stick to strict schedules regardless of circumstance, others are willing to bend the rules on special occasions. I let my children stay up late on birthdays, family gatherings, and holidays. On Wednesday night, my son and daughter are welcome to ring in 2009 with us if they can keep their eyes open.

Will your kids be staying up past their bedtime on New Year's Eve?

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Keri Russell Limits Her Son's Gifts, Do You?

LilSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:55 -0800

Keri Russell makes sure her lil guy River Deary knows the true meaning of Christmas. When asked about their plans, the Bedtime Stories star said:

We’re having all the parents at my house this Christmas and we told the grandparents, “No one go crazy. One gift for the kid,” which translates to like five. They don’t understand that. My gift is being home. It’s been so nice to be in our house in Brooklyn.

Do you try and limit the number of presents your kids receive, too?

Pacific Coast News