A lack of sleep affects everyone in the household and long regular sleep is a basic need for a child's optimal growth.
A picky eater can make mealtimes unpleasant for everyone in the family and good nutrition is a basic necessity of life.
Food and sleep are the most popular topics for questions I receive (with toilet training and sibling issues a close second!)
There are lots of ideas on how to deal with each of these issues, and most parents try a number of approaches in their search for success.
A wholistic approach looks at the toddler's whole day, not just the food or sleep issue in isolation.
A parent-led pattern for the entire day gently shows that mum and dad choose the events for the whole day.
This means that battles over particular parts of the day (including meals and naps) are greatly minimised bacause you are not suddenly shifting from the child being in charge (in their little minds) to the parent now taking an isolated stand.
Will the battles cease by Saturday?
No.
Everything worthwhile takes time and effort.
Change is hard.
Progress will gradually emerge in the weeks to come.
