Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Winter 2013 | Page 25

HAPPY MOMENTS Nursery & Preschool This Christmas give a memorable gift to your precious little one that will keep unfolding for years to come… important. Nothing can replace a good night’s sleep, so it is about doing things to just get through the day. While day time sleep may also be sporadic for your little one early on, or whether you’ve returned to work after maternity leave, during the day is an opportunity to have some me-time. It can be difficult to turn off when there is so much to do, but in those early days it really is important – whether it’s taking a nap, having a shower or just spending a few quiet minutes alone to read or meditate. You may have to live with the fact that you have a messy house for a few months, but even just setting aside 15 minutes a day can help keep on top of chores and still give you some time to yourself. If you’re being offered help, this is a good time to accept it. Let someone else keep an ear out for when the baby cries so you really can have some time to yourself without worrying about every whimper. And if you’re back at work, try and take some time out for yourself where you can, whether it’s taking a walk at lunch or getting your nails done for a bit of luxury during the day. Eating health- ily and staying away from heavy meals during the day can also help keep those afternoon slumps at bay. And, of course, the old stand-by of caffeinated beverages can help give a boost. Just be aware of the amount of caffeine you drink if you’re breastfeeding and try having a big glass of cold water when you feel yourself lagging if you’re off the caffeine. While it may not directly help with sleep deprivation in the early days, set- ting the scene for later good sleep hab- its is key to getting a good night’s sleep in the future. Establishing a routine from the get-go is a great way to begin teaching your little one when it’s time for bed. This can come in the form of bath time, putting on pajamas, reading a book, nursing, and rocking or sing- ing to sleep in whatever order makes sense for your family. These nighttime routines can be relaxing ways to close out the day and bring some predictabil- ity and consistency to help your child settle down for a good night’s sleep. It will all seem very rudimentary at first – the bath may happen in the sink and you may not get through the entire book – but the pattern will set the scene for bed time and eventually your child will get into a sleep pattern closer to your own. Fill your child’s formative years of schooling, each day, with lots of fun filled explorative experiences with in small learning groups at Happy Moments Nursery & Preschool “Where happy children learn for a brighter future”. Our conscientious teaching staff is certified in ECE, CPR and First Aid. It is our goal to believe in our students, assist in fulfilling each parent’s dream for their child and to inspire each child in reaching their fullest potential… Happy Moments is Bermuda’s premier Christian early childhood educational center serving parents since 1998 we provide our students a curriculum which encourages academic excellence through ex- plorative, creative learning as well as offering: Computer, Spanish, and Music (optional) programs. We are currently accepting applications for ages 18 months - 3 years of age at an affordable monthly tuition fee. Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact us happymoments123@yahoo. com or 737-8385 for scheduled interview. Email: [email protected] or call 737-8385 to schedule an interview. www.bermudaparentmagazine.com 23