Wake Up Elves!
This Week —
What do your mornings look like? Maybe your toddler screams out for you at some ungodly hour or wakes up 87 times to feed or be comforted. Whatever your mornings look like, the struggle is real. On some days, I jump gleefully out of bed long before Elf does, with time to shower and have coffee before the day begins. On most days, however, I’m mercilessly jolted from my REM stupor when I hear his tiny voice calling (or yelling) for me. Regardless of how my day starts, however, there’s one thing I can count on: music, my tried and true vitalizer.
Listen to —
Prepare for a playlist that initially treads lightly while gently nudging you into alertness with Mozart, Dvorak, Elgar, and Reynaldo Hahn. You’ll then slowly perk up a fantastic jazz violin piece by Stuff Smith, followed by more smooth Jazz that understands sometimes you just need to be held and nurtured like a baby chick until the damn caffeine kicks in.
Tricks of the Trade —
Children are malleable. They make and break habits just like we do. If your kiddo develops a habit that’s getting on your last nerve (waking up ready to party at 3:57 am, for example), have faith in knowing there are multiple ways to curb behaviors and habits. I most definitely do not have all the answers—but I do encourage you to get advice from respected professionals, listen to podcasts and read books, and actively try various tactics until you find the one that works for you and your child. Remember: you’ve got this; you are doing an amazing job; keep going 😘.
Don’t have Spotify? Listen on YouTube!