Archive for January 2023
January 31, 2023

Activities List for Sick Toddler at Home

 Hey Sis!


For the last 2 weeks of January, my son and I have been cooped up in the house due to him being sick. What started off as pink-eye ending up being something I have never heard of. Trying to work from home and care for a sick child is a supernatural task, I know God had to step in for me because my my my. I thank God for his guidance and definitely his strength because Whew, it's been something kind of 2 weeks.


In life, I've learned to roll with and keep pushing (but make sure you are resting too). Caring for a sick toddler can be a challenge, but with the right activities, you can make it a little easier for both you and your little one. When a toddler is feeling under the weather, it's important to keep them entertained and distracted from their illness. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of fun and soothing activities that are perfect for a sick toddler. From reading and art to sensory play and baking, these activities will help your child feel better while they're on the road to recovery. So grab a cozy blanket, grab your little one, and let's get started!

 


 

  1. Reading books and telling stories
  2. Playing with play dough or modeling clay
  3. Doing a puzzle or working on a coloring book. My favorite are $1 Tree coloring books
  4. Building with blocks or Lego's
  5. Playing dress-up or pretending with dolls or stuffed animals
  6. Watching a favorite movie or TV show
  7. Playing with cars or action figures
  8. Doing a simple science experiment or craft project
  9. Playing a board game or card game
  10. Having a dance party or sing-along. Be sensitive to your child sickness to make sure this activities does not upset your toddler's tummy.
  11. Doing a scavenger hunt around the house
  12. Drawing or painting
  13. Playing with water and measuring cups in the bathtub
  14. Cooking or baking together
  15. Having a indoor obstacle course or treasure hunt
  16. Building a fort or teepee with blankets and pillows.

I want to add that during each activity, I make sure I am using newspapers, a large post it sheets, or get inexpensive table cloth at the dollar store so all you have to do is pick up items and dispose of them in the trash. 

 

Taking care of a sick toddler doesn't have to be all about medicine and rest. By incorporating some fun and engaging activities into their day, you can help your child feel better, both physically and emotionally. Remember to keep it simple, and focus on what your child enjoys. Whether it's reading a book, playing a game, or baking cookies, these activities will provide a much-needed distraction from their sickness and give you both a chance to bond. Above all, be patient, offer lots of love and cuddles, and remember that the most important thing is for your little one to get better.


If you need a more structured schedule with everything you need to succeed with a sick toddler at home, grab a copy of my Schedule Guide for Sick Toddlers below.







 

 

January 21, 2023

How To Get Your Toddler To Sleep In Their Own Bed and Room

Hi Queen!


Happy Saturday. I don't know about you but over the years, I felt like a lot of women unintentionally tried to project their issues onto me by telling me that my son would be 12 years old, still sleeping in my bed. I always looked with a side eye, like excuse me “Unh Unh get somebody else to do it” because that never sat well with me. I don't know about you sis but ain't nobody got time to be fighting these kids and the way they sleep. My son sleeps like he's working the field and I don't miss the nights when my back was on fire because of the many kicks I received in the middle of the night.


Let me tell you exactly what I did sis to help you begin to get a betters night sleep. I went straight to prayer and first asked God to help me with this situation sis because he knows me, and he knows my son. We are not the same! I said, father, you're gone, have to help me because I'll be darned if my son is a teenager and still sleeps in the bed with me. And guess what?!?! God did it!!! 

 

With much practice and consistency on my part. The baby boy sleeps faithfully in his room. He sometimes gets it twisted but I guide his butt right back to his room every time. Remember this is a transition and transitions take time. So give yourself and your toddler grace as you transition to this new season of another transition with your toddler.

 

Want to know exactly how to get this done? Let the operation eviction begin.

 



1. Start by making the transition gradual:


I started by putting my son's bed in my room so he could at least get comfortable sleeping in his bed. As soon as he turned 4, I had to put my foot down and move his bed back into his room so the transition could continue. If that doesn't work for you, begin by having your toddler nap in their bed during the day, and gradually move to have them sleep there at night.


2. Create a consistent bedtime routine:


This can be reading a story or having a dance party right before bed. My toddler is super smart so he knows when we do this, it's bedtime and he tries it but he is typically out no more than 30 minutes later.


3. Make sure their room is comfortable:


That's with a comfy mattress, adequate temperature, minimal noise, and warm lights. To make it extra special by adding their favorite character to their bed and room. My son is a spider man person, so spider-man is everywhere and that's ok. As long as he's out of my bed. I am fine with that.


4. Add thunder or rain sounds to their sleep:

 

My son has been sleeping with Thunder and rain sounds since he came out of the womb. So this becomes second nature to his routine at night and always puts him out. This typically helps draw out any outside noises that may come about because they are already on edge for sleeping alone, so hearing something outside could scare them and prompt them to come to your room


5. Give your toddler a sense of security:


This can be by leaving a nightlight on or providing a special blanket or stuffed animal. Also, adding neon warm lights (like the gamers have) was a game changer for me as well.


6. Be consistent and patient:

 

It may take some time for your toddler to adjust to sleeping in their bed and room, but sticking to a consistent routine will help.


7. Try putting the TV on as they sleep:

 

I didn't know but my son is a TV-sleeping toddler. It reminds me of my dad. When we were little and even now to this day. He sleeps with the tv on and the moment you turn it off, he will jump right out of bed. This must be a man’s thing because I know a lot of men that sleep this way but hey it works.


I hope these tips were helpful and please know I am praying for this transaction in your life that God will give strength to get past this difficult transition. I pray over your children that God will give them peace past their understanding. That they may rest well in their rooms and own bed. In Jesus' name, Shalom.

January 09, 2023

How to Put God First in Everything as a Single Mom

 

Happy New Year! 


Last week I talked about 6 Ways to Prepare for the New Year as a Single Mom. Over the next few weeks, I am going to be breaking down each suggestion I spoke of to allow you to get a better understanding of how you can tackle this year with ease.


The very first suggestion is all about putting God first. We hear so many people say put God first but do we understand how to practically incorporate this in our lives this year? You may ask, What are the steps? Where do I start? What does this look like? No worries queen, I've got you covered.

 


 

Putting God first in everything is a matter of prioritizing your relationship with God and seeking to align your actions and decisions with His will. I have learned he has to come first and I must look to him as a single mother because as we all know, it's not easy.


Here are a few practical steps you can take to put God first in your life:


1. Set aside time for daily time with God, prayer and studying the word for yourself.


2. If you can, look for a church home in your community and get involved in the community of believers.


3. Seek out opportunities to serve others especially when times are tough or you get lost. This always helps me find my way back to the father.


4. Make decisions based on what you believe is God's will for your life, rather than just what will benefit you in the short term. The worst thing you can do is make a mistake and move in haste based on emotion.


5. Surround yourself with people who can support you in your efforts to follow God.

 

 

Remember that this is a process, and it may take time to develop habits that help you put God first in everything. Be patient with yourself and seek guidance from God and other believers along the way.

 

 

From Sister to Sister,

Queen to Queen,

Mother to Mother 

You got this! ✨


 

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