REGULATING KID'S NERVOUS SYSTEM BEFORE BEDTIME
As most of you know, my Husband and I have been blessed with 3 beautiful, energetic boys, 11, 8 and 5. My kids are made to move, learn by touching everything, feel deeply and constantly test out the hierarchy - we love it of course, but some days it feels like I'm at a zoo! The background noise of my life is happy squeals, scared squeals, high pitched squeals, many thumps (some I know are ok and others make me run to them) loads of laughter and then tears from intentional and unintentional injuries (we have an ice pack that gets used 3 x daily easily).
Inspired by this Maggie Dent episode I thought I would share my current approach (although caveat: I am no parenting expert, I’m fumbling along like the rest of us!) and some of the things that we do in our house to calm the vibe, reboot after the sensory overwhelm and regulate our nervous systems after a big day of school/activities/parenting/etc.
- FOOD: after school I feed them a good wholefood protein based snack to get them through to dinner, such as a protein smoothie (recipe below)
- MOVE: weather pending, we are out in nature or at sport after school to get all their energy out before bed time
- ROUTINE: once home, they shower or have an epsom salt bath and into PJs. Whilst I’m cooking dinner they are allowed an episode of their favourite show, and I get to cook dinner alone (yippeeeee). Then after screen time I play soft music, EMDR playlist on spotify, goodnight moon child by beautiful chorus, buddha chillout and relax chillout (Maggie Dent says to play something slower than the heartbeat (quietly). I also turn the lights down - so put the lamps on and no downlights/limited lights.
- DIFFUSE: YL lavender oil, to start the calming process and signal the time to rest
- READ: we read books on the couch together, if my littlest is still wired, I hold him close against my body and calm myself so he can regulate to me
- SNACK: they always need one last snack and the rule is 'fruit and vegetables' only before bed!
- MAGNESIUM: cream on the legs or orally depending on age and where they are at
- BED: with the music still playing, we settle them down into their room
I know I can't always change gears quickly at night time and I realise neither can they. When we implemented this routine there was far less push-back and bedtime battles.
if you’re having bedtime battles at your place, I do hope this helps. As always please reach out if you’re stuck and needing some extra support with your little ones, I would love to help. Rest assured that kids are amazing and respond so quickly to naturopathic treatment and there are many and varied non-invasive tests we can perform to give us direction.
Also, have a listen to the podcast (link here) it’s only 10 mins, super quick!
KIDS PROTEIN SMOOTHIE
1 Banana
2 tablespoons 100% whey protein powder (bare blends)
3 egg yolks
Almond milk
Cacao powder
Ice
Simply blend in high-speed blender and serve!