Nighttime wake-ups can be the worst!
But they don’t have to be 😉
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I’m not proud to admit that I used to get really frustrated at my kids when they woke up in the middle of the night.
I could maintain my cool for 5 minutes max, but if they didn’t get back to sleep right away, I would start thinking about how tired I would be the next day and inevitably end up yelling and making the situation 100 times worse. 😬
Luckily I’ve learned some great mindset tricks that help so I can stay calm when the kiddos wake up in the middle of the night.
Here they are for you, Mama! 🤩
🩷 Step 1: Sigh it out
Change your state and regulate your nervous system so you can keep your calm by making one big, audible sigh before you interact with your kid.
🩷 Step 2: Identity statement
Whisper out loud “I am a mom who keeps her cool.” This reinforces the thought in your brain that you are a calm mama.
🩷 Step 3: Get some perspective
Remind yourself that your child woke up in the night because they need your help – a diaper change, warmer clothes, or just your comfort. Imagine if you needed something and the person who could help you met you with yelling at you for asking!
🩷 Step 4: Stop the spiral
Thinking that your kid is never getting back to sleep and you’ll be so tired tomorrow and then you’ll suck at your job (etc. etc.) is going to make you frustrated and you’ll be more likely to erupt. Catch the negative thoughts and replace them with your “I am a mom who keeps her cool” statement in your head to stop the spiral.
🩷 Step 5: Keep smiling
Smiling, even if you aren’t feeling super cheerful, tricks your brain into thinking you are happy. Paste a smile on that face to help keep the feel good vibes flowing until your little one is back to sleep.
If you found these tips helpful, please be sure to ✨️FOLLOW✨️ me @iambaileemcclellan for more mindset hacks for moms, and grab my free mom mindset guide (including 3 ways you can be a happier mom in just 5 minutes).
You’re so cool, Mama – even in the middle of the night! 😎
XO – Bailee