Tag: lifestyle

5 APPS TO ELEVATE YOUR INSTA STORY

It is undeniable that Instagram story is dominating the social media world these days. In just 24 months the 24 hours lasting content has gained 400 million daily active users. SAY WHAAAAATTTT ?!?!? And it doesn’t disappear after 24 hours – now it is automatically saved to your “archive“.

Based on my research, 7 out of 10 my audiences spend more time on Instagram story than Instagram feed these days. Because, it is more presence and engaging for their eyes; is like watching various movie highlights or so. “Tap” for next scene or “Swipe” for the next channel.

Yep. Here comes the problem; “tap and swipe” – you want to avoid your audiences to do those two things. You want them to stay through the whole journey you’ve made available for them.

GET THEIR EYES PEELED WITH YOUR NEXT LEVEL INSTAGRAM STORY USING THESE 5 AMAZING APPS

UNFOLD

a toolkit for storytellers. Template specially made for Instagram story size. Find your top template from minimal to elegant. This enable you to collage your photos and videos using just one app. Add some text or pick your frame colour for extra punch.

download: iOS & Android

SPLICE

Vertical video is everywhere! And now you can make one too – using Splice. Simple yet powerful, Splice makes it easy to create fully customized, professional-looking videos on your iPhone, iPad. Imagine the performance of a desktop editor, optimized for your mobile device. Just tap to trim clips, adjust transitions, add slow motion effects and more to create beautiful videos you’ll love to share. It’s never been easier to edit like a pro on the go. Same day edit videos on the phone, how cool is that?!

Now enjoy a full screen mode video without tilting your phone.



download: iOS & Android

CANVA

One stop for creative mind to create their work using pre reserved design template made by many graphic designers. You can easily replace them with your own pictures, text, and logo. The tools can be used for both web (.jpeg or .png) and print media (.pdf)

This saved a lot of time in designing a business promotion or blog title. I can do it as I go, very handy, since I have all the control in my palm.

download: iOS & Android

OVER

Whereas Canva provides a static design template, Over is a little ahead – with moving objects template. You can design your video using Over in Instagram portrait size. YES!! However, some of the templates are not free of charge.

Another cool feature on Over is “scheduling” – you are able to plan and schedule your posts and rest up for the day. How cool is that?!

download: iOS & Android

HYPE TYPE

Add animated text to your Instagram story using hype type. Sometimes you just need to give extra “oomph” to your photo – but not too much that it may overtake the beauty of it. Animated text is the answer – it is eye catchy and engaging.

download : iOS & Android

So, now…are you ready to impress your boss and colleagues? You sure do! Or maybe you wanna impress yourself. Why not?! Expand and channel your creativity through more moving objects are so much fun. Just remember to create content that is a cohesive fit with your brand aesthetic and Instagram marketing goals while you’re crafting and creating with apps for Instagram Stories and designing templates.

Last but not least: HAVE FUN!!

Love,

Kenny

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LUNCHBOX IDEA – SAUSAGE ROLLS HACK

Hey!! Who’s feeling organised with lunch box preparation? I am leaning more towards overwhelmed these days. I never thought that this process will take so much of my attention and energy until the 4th week of school.

We live in a busy, fast paced schedules often mean there are just not enough hours in a day. This is why preparing lunch boxes can be so challenging for parents. Kids can be fussy and coming up with new and interesting foods that aren’t full of sugar that won’t get thrown in the bin can be tricky. But the importance of packing a healthy lunchbox is immeasurable. Kids are more alert and focused when they’re fuelled with healthy food.

And, you all know that I am very intrigued to always find new things which may make life a lot simpler and efficient. So, here we go again!! I create a very simple hack to nail a healthy lunch packs for your little ones.

What you need is 2 main ingredients and 20 minutes of your time

SAUSAGE ROLLS HACK

  • puff pastry (room temperature)
  • poppy seed (optional)

filling:

  • gourmet sausages (your own choice at room temperature)

how to:

  1. pre-heat the oven at 200’C
  2. remove the sausages’ skin
  3. cut half the pastry – rectangle shape
  4. roll the sausages inside the pastry
  5. cut into small pieces/ finger size (3cm)
  6. place them on the layered baking tray
  7. sprinkle them with poppy seed (optional)
  8. In the oven for 20 minutes or until golden

I can’t believe that I just made a homemade sausage rolls. AARRGGHHH!! I am a cool mum. I had Jared back home bringing his empty lunch box and said, “that was the best mum!” – the best feeling ever. TT

This very simple idea can be done quickly after dinner or early in the morning. It is a great finger food option for your busy little champions packed with nutrients and tasteful. It’s worth to try!

Yup!! IT IS TIME TO TAKE YOUR KIDS’ LUNCH BOX TO THE NEXT LEVEL. BECAUSE YOU CAN.

Share your reviews on the comments below and if you like my hack, please like this article and subscribe for more hacks coming to your inbox. x

Love,

Kenny

BOOST YOUR SMILE WITH CARIPRO

Do you see my ear to ear smile right here? That is exactly what I feel about this latest collaboration with cariPRO electric toothbrush.

I was probably one the oldest school lady on the block who has never adopted the electric toothbrush lifestyle in this era. Yep! I have been using manual brush the entire life. So, when Smile Brilliant approached me to test out their new electric toothbrush range – cariPRO, I can not say “NO”.

This toothbrush comes in a bundle with two years warranty:

x1 cariPRO™ Ultrasonic toothbrush
x2 premium replacement heads with tongue scraper & DuPont™ bristles
x1 wireless charging dock

Like other electric toothbrushes, CariPRO has 5 mode settings – clean, white, massage, gum care, and sensitive. Use each mode daily to achieve the maximum result for your healthy mouth.

So, I have been using this toothbrush for the past 3 weeks and had to say that I AM IMPRESSED!

Other than it’s waterproof , it’s textbook-proof. I noticed an instant result straight away after my first day of trial. It cleanse deeply and thoroughly, it removes 7x more plaques than manual brush – including some coffee stainson my front teeth, it naturally whitens my teeth. No joke – hubby and few friends has made pretty encouraging comments about my teeth for the past weeks. *smilefearlessly

Another cool thing of this electric toothbrush – its battery could last up to thirty days. You’d better save some energy – and I’ll definitely go for it. Last but not least, it’s cheaper than any other brands (based on my research). Same quality, better features, better value. What are you waiting for, it is time to give cariPRO a try.

Today, I enjoy oral care routine more than ever. I make time for it, because keeping my mouth healthy is easier, simpler, and better. I smile more frequent than ever. I smile more fearless than usual.

And hey kids, in case you can’t find mommy this morning, I am having my leisure time in the bathroom brushing my teeth. No rush! I gotta brush my teeth!

So are you ready to take your smile to the next level?!

Smile Brilliant is letting me to do a giveaway to win one set of electric toothbrush. Click here to enter.

OR receive 20% off your purchase today! using code “mamaonrepeat20”

BOOST YOUR SMILE. BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE!!

Love,

Kenny

BOOST YOUR SMILE WITH CARIPRO

Do you see my ear to ear smile right here? That is exactly what I feel about this latest collaboration with cariPRO electric toothbrush.

I was probably one the oldest school lady on the block who has never adopted the electric toothbrush lifestyle in this era. Yep! I have been using manual brush the entire life. So, when Smile Brilliant approached me to test out their new electric toothbrush range – cariPRO, I can not say “NO”.

This toothbrush comes in a bundle with two years warranty:

x1 cariPRO™ Ultrasonic toothbrush
x2 premium replacement heads with tongue scraper & DuPont™ bristles
x1 wireless charging dock

Like other electric toothbrushes, CariPRO has 5 mode settings – clean, white, massage, gum care, and sensitive. Use each mode daily to achieve the maximum result for your healthy mouth.

So, I have been using this toothbrush for the past 3 weeks and had to say that I AM IMPRESSED!

Other than it’s waterproof , it’s textbook-proof. I noticed an instant result straight away after my first day of trial. It cleanse deeply and thoroughly, it removes 7x more plaques than manual brush – including some coffee stainson my front teeth, it naturally whitens my teeth. No joke – hubby and few friends has made pretty encouraging comments about my teeth for the past weeks. *smilefearlessly

Another cool thing of this electric toothbrush – its battery could last up to thirty days. You’d better save some energy – and I’ll definitely go for it. Last but not least, it’s cheaper than any other brands (based on my research). Same quality, better features, better value. What are you waiting for, it is time to give cariPRO a try.

Today, I enjoy oral care routine more than ever. I make time for it, because keeping my mouth healthy is easier, simpler, and better. I smile more frequent than ever. I smile more fearless than usual.

And hey kids, in case you can’t find mommy this morning, I am having my leisure time in the bathroom brushing my teeth. No rush! I gotta brush my teeth!

So are you ready to take your smile to the next level?!

Smile Brilliant is letting me to do a giveaway to win one set of electric toothbrush. CLICK HERE TO ENTER.

OR receive 20% off your purchase today! using code “mamaonrepeat20”

BOOST YOUR SMILE. BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE!!

Love,

Kenny

WHO DESERVES YOUR LOVE THE MOST ?

As a mom, I tend to put myself behind others in the family, don’t you? Just because, I am a MOM. It’s in my nature to nurture and care the offsprings.

Who’s the first waking up in the morning?

Who’s the last closing their eyes at night?

Who’s the last person sitting on the dinner table?

Who’s the first person leaving the dinner table?

I don’t know about YOU. But these sounds like ME in everyday life. I tick all the boxes there – so I deserve a win I guess (on their eyes). Yes babe! You do! Take all the credits. I say it once again, take all the credits!

Ha….It took me only 3 years to understand this very word –

“I deserve all the credits”

I spent too many times hating and beating myself hard for not lifting up my performances to my expectations. Many nights, I sat on the corner of my bed crying out of guilts. Many hours, I sobbed pitying my life with dirty nappies and mess kitchen. Many occasions, I let others opinion overwrite my joy.

Then, a moment lights up – one night I sent J to bed as per usual, we planned to do all the bedtime routine as normal. The day was quite intense that day, and my face had turned red at the time, @#%3hdie&&! filled my brain. In the middle of our book reading, J told me “mommy, you should leave me now and go to work.” Then I replied, “wha do you mean?” J insisted “you should go to work, so you’ll get some money, and you will buy me toy, won’t you?”

I stopped there – AND yeah I realised that I can not pour out of an empty cup nor half empty cup. Others could feel the anger and disappointment within my soul. My child, he can sensed it. And that is the LAST thing you would let them feel; your negative vibe. No matter how hard you try to cover it from them, whatever you keep in your heart will ooze to the surface.

So, I quickly learn to love myself first before I can love others surround me.

Luke 10:27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

– Luke

Here was clearly stated to love your neighbors as yourself – how can you love others without knowing the art of loving yourself first? It is not an easy decision for me to put myself above others. However, I understand the significant impact it could bring onto others life today. SO, I CHOOSE TO LOVE MYSELF FIRST THIS VALENTINE’S DAY.

4 PRACTICAL STEPS ON HOW TO LOVE YOURSELF

1. SAY 3 THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF TODAY

Trust me! It is not as easy as it sounds!! ;(

Do yourself a quick test:

(in 5 seconds) mention 5 of your strengths / things you would die to keep in your life forever

(in 5 seconds) mention 5 of your weaknesses /something you wish you could change in life

Which questions you get all 5 in time?!

It is was easier to judge ourself than to appreciate ourself in life. We tend to train our brain by traits. By forcing myself to think hard about things I love about myself these days is the best healing force I have ever done.

2. BE GRACIOUS TO YOURSELF

The fact that you are a human. You have feelings and emotions. No one is perfect. Some of us confuse self-love with endless positivity and endless optimism. This will drag you to even hates yourself even more when you assume that we can only be tougher as what the world throw at us.

Allow yourself to be honest with who you are. Forgive yourself for your past deeds, those things you are ashamed of.

Learn to say “it is okay”

It is okay to not get everyone dress up nicely to the church.

It is okay to get a McDonalds for dinner today.

It is okay to leave the dirty dishes till tomorrow morning.


3. TREAT YOURSELFT

This part I love the most. Put your sanity above others. Go get some massage. Fix your nail and toe nails. Have some pretty blow dry at saloon. Enjoy your night outs with the girls.

Because you deserve it. Don’t feel bad about it.

4. SHARE YOURSELF

And only after you have worked out your own personal bumps you can begin to see the diamonds in the rough: your gifts.

Knowing that someone else out there might been through the exact pain/ confusion you were in last weekend. It is always worth to share your story to others. This is another effective way of self- healing; is when you try to be open with yourself. Being vulnerable is not a weak indication of a person, is a strong point of someone.

Find a medium or platform or group where you can give your experiences and take some tips and tricks about mothering/ parenting. It is always calming to have someone like-minded who gets your back through thick and thin.

So, here I am sharing my journey on this platform, believing that I am never alone in this, and would love to be someone else’s buddy on this journey called motherhood.

Connect with me on :
Instagram (@mamaonrepeat)
Pinterest (mamaonrepeat)

Lastly, here’s the answer to above question.

YOU!

It is you who deserves your love the most ! Remember that ! xx

Much love,

Kenny

SMART CLEAN HOME WITH DYSON PURE COOL

Are you looking for a new way to automate your home and improve your quality of life?

Living in an apartment with 2 kids under 5 years old, and busy professions as well as ministry, requires us to be smarter in managing the house. It’s honestly hard to keep on track with the house chores and cleaning schedule, not to mention the thick dust behind the TV cabinet and window crease, which often increase the chance of my rhinitis. That is why, as a family are always on the run to find new ways to simplify and to improve our quality of life at the same time. One of them is by automating our home.

For this matter I trust Dyson for its innovative game-changing idea for the future. I heard countless reviews on some of their home appliances products, and now I get to try it myself. Yes!! Few months ago, I was invited to try their latest range – Dyson Pure Cool Tower Fan. And man…I have been using it for the past weeks and honestly I am quite impressed.

Not just another purifiers

As it names – Dyson Pure Cool Tower Fan. It is a purifier (duhhhh..) ; it removes contaminants and allergens for a cleaner environment. However, it is not just another purifiers, this appliance removes potentially toxic fumes and odours too and it also cools in summer. How cool is that?! This means we have found our long-lost house keeper for all year round.

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Automatically monitors, reacts, and purifies

What’s more, the Purifier automatically monitors, reacts and purifies – then reports to your Dyson Link app so you’re kept in the loop. Woot woot!! This is seriously one of the best innovation I love about Dyson. It automates my house and it tells me the level of air quality inside the house daily. Dyson Link App could easily download via  App store or Google Play Store. Then follow the instructions to set up your machine. Once you finished with the machine set up, you will be able to see the summary of your house air quality information on the homepage. Tap on the chart to see the daily or weekly report.

IMG_5528Dyson Pure Cool equips with an advanced sensory technology. I did some fun play with this appliance few weeks ago, I sprayed some perfumes near the meter, and guess what?? The air quality level meter turned red which was an indication of low air quality level. Then, I placed the purifier onto a mouldy room, and found that the level of air quality gave me a red signal too.

Last step, let the Dyson Pure Cool do its job, to purifies/eliminates the toxic mists, fumes and odours. Check out other cool features on your app, such as, timer, night mode, oscillation, air-flow, etc.

Quick and easy filter changing

It is as easy as setting up the machine itself. It is low maintenance. It took me less than 5 minutes to assemble everything. Place the two filters around the base and lock it in place. This filter can last up to 12 months depends on the frequency of use with built-in notifications when they require replacing.

A modern kids friendly home appliances 

The first time I noticed once I finished assembling this fan was its sleek and minimalist look. It blends with my white wall and seated steady and well on the floor just like a bigger version of a sound speaker. Dyson Pure Cool is blade-less; it has no spinning blades and it is safe near children. This fact put me at ease when I leave the boys hang around it.

The only possible way to keep a free pollutant/allergen house 

Since having children, I realised how important it is to keep the cleanliness of the house. Children are very sensitive to the changes in the air quality. They are more susceptible to the viruses and bacteria in the house than adults are. It is my nightmare to have a suffering kids from any viruses or bacterias.

And I admit no matter how well I clean my house, I can’t do a better job than a HEPA filter to get rid of the 99.97% of the particles 0.3 microns in diameter. I want our nose, eyes, and lungs to get a break from pollutant and allergens at least when we are at home.

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Ever since I got Dyson Pure Cool at home, my hay fever attacks lessened. Asher is sleeping well and longer during night time as well as Jared. Last but not least, all of us are more comfortable playing on the carpet floor without following sneezes.

So, if you’re thinking to keep the house fresh and healthy in order to increase your family quality of life, choose the smart way, air purifier is worth your attention. I would recommend Dyson Pure Cool to automate your home. And feel the difference.

 

Love,

Kenny

 

 

 

THE NEXT PLAY DESTINATION – JUNGLE BUDDIES

Are you looking for a one stop leisure place for everyone; what I mean is – parents / grandparents, mum groups, daddys day care, kids, and babies?

JUNGLE BUDDIES is the answer to all your need – play. party. cafe.

It is the next play destination for every family on rainy days, hot days, or any days in between. Jungle Buddies are the perfect destination for all.

It is a large scale indoor play centre & birthday party venue suitable for 0 – 12 years old. It cater healthy foods & drinks in-house with a chef. Onsite parking and free wi-fi. It is one stop designated for the whole families and all occasions.

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A PLACE FOR ALL

With a huge 2 stories L-shaped play ground, party rooms, and in house cafe, Jungle Buddies is surely one play destination that will caught many eyes. From catching ups, playdates, casual meetings, to birthday parties or private event, Jungle Buddies got them covered. While you’re enjoying your me time – let your kids freed their adventurous spirit around the centre.

Besides play ground, Jungle Buddies also provide some kids activities in the house, art & craft every Tuesday & Wednesday 11am. 

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CAFE SURROUNDING

When choosing a play destination, one important thing I consider is how close it is with a cafe or restaurant. Because you know, kids will always demand you an unexpected request ever. So, a place close to cafe is always the best option for me. Jungle Buddies is not only close to a cafe, yet it has its own cafe with an in-house chef and seasonal designated menu. It is healthy and yummy too. Good price too. Look at the size below, it is massive for mommy and a toddler, isn’t it?

HEALTHY & SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Play is an important part of a child’s development. Playing can be fun and adventurous, particularly when there are playmates. However, many Australian children are less active than they should be. A safe play areas for children – separate play areas for different ages is very recommended, especially for a mom like me who has a 5 months old baby. It wouldn’t be comfortable for me to have a careless children jumping and climbing around Asher.

Jungle Buddies has some play areas for different ages;

  • soft area (0-2)
  • 2 stories L – shaped playground (> 2)

Also the place are so clean and tidy. The centre is regularly cleaned every afternoon and every staff is very kind and attentive to every customer.

STRESS FREE

As a mom of two energetic boys, never in the past 4 years I get to see a tidy corner in the house for more than 1 hour. I honestly can not stay at home the entire day with the boys – if that happen either (1) the boys will get crazy of boredomness or (2) mommy will loose her sanity. In conclusion, I go out to avoid the boys mission to destroy the house. 😦 just another confession of one tired mama. Or perhaps anyone agree of how stressful it is planning and organising kid’s birthday party. haaa…many things to do with little time available.

Bottom line, having and raising kids are hard work and stressful. Here, Jungle Buddies cater a hands free service for every family in Sydney. Joining jungle buddies has totally make such a big difference in our family.

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I am so happy with our experience with Jungle Buddies and it’s been a part of our family starting this year. This time, I would like to share this amazing experience with one of lucky family. Cause you know, sharing is caring, right?! So, here’s how:

GIVEAWAY

WIN 10 VISITS JUNGLE BUDDIES MEMBERSHIP MULTI-PASS (with value up to $120)

  1. Follow @jungle_buddies and @mamaonrepeat on Instagram

  2. Like our giveaway photo

  3. Tag at least one friend

One winner will be randomly picked on Monday, 10th September. This giveaway is no way sponsored or endorsed by WordPress or Instagram. The competition is only valid for entries within Australia.

 

Well…at last let me wish you all the best luck. X

 

Love,

Kenny

#FASHIONFRIDAY – DENIM GANG FEATURING ERGOBABY OMNI 360

The colder weather is officially hit. And we’re just done with packing our shorts and summer tanks. However, there’s this one item which always stay in our closets; denim jacket. Who doesn’t love a good piece of denim? It is one of the best buy of my life; I can pair it with almost anything – when in doubts wear denim. So, clearly, this week we had no idea what to wear for the photoshoot, so let it be denim. Gah. Hahahaha

It was such a nice warmer day yesterday and thank God for hubby’s day off. He took me and the kids out to Bicentennial Park to get some fresh air. Jared’s enjoying the walk with his scooter and mommy with her koala featuring the new range of Ergobaby Omni 360 – all positions baby carrier improved with new design and cool air mesh fabric.

  1. Cooler for parents and baby with breathable full body mesh.
  2. One-handed adjustment to switch from baby facing in to facing out.
  3. Ergonomic seat grows from newborn to toddler (7-45 lbs)
  4. Crossable shoulder straps & lumbar support waist belt for long-wearing comfort.
  5. Cushioned head & neck support and baby hood for sun protection & privacy.
  6. Detachable storage pouch

Also, it comes in 4 new gorgeous colours; oxford blue (as pictured), midnight blue, khaki green, pearl grey 

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Ergobaby has been a part of our family since Jared was born. He travelled in it pretty much. But I have to admit, the old fabric is way too thick and heavy. Then, I got a chance to try new range of Omni 360 and super love with it. Even hubby proved it loud, “this piece is amazing.” I love the new fabric, it is thinner and breathable; it keeps baby comfortably close to parents for a long period of time. The improved neck support is perfect for newborn, which means saying good bye to infant insert. Plus point – detachable pouch is quite generous in size, fit in for some mom’s essentials; phone, purse, key and dummy.

Happy baby. Happy mommy. Asher’s sleeping really well under my Ergo, letting my both hands free to catch Jared when it’s needed. 😉

Do you have any favourite baby wearing for exploring or travelling? Leave them on the comments below.

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Kenny: Denim Jacket (an op-shop in Japan), white pants (Topshop), Shoes (Stradivarius), Earrings (Colette by colette hayman)
Andri: Denim Jacket (Pull & Bear), Pants (Topshop), Shoes (Adidas Stan Smith)
Jared: Denim shirt (Cotton On Kids), Hooded Grey Tee (BONDS), Triangle leggings (Etsy), Shoes (Adidas)

 

 

Love,

Kenny

 

#FASHIONFRIDAY – STROLL STRIPES

Hello another weekend!

Glad that we could have spend time together as a family of four. Our family quality time is pretty simple; strolling around the city, cafe hopping, playground and capturing moments.

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And guess where we visited today?! Yes! Another day in Surry Hills. It is indeed one stylish neighbourhood next to the city which filled with many cafe scene. This was the place destination when we were dating till today, we take the kids with us like a joey in our pouch.

The kids enjoy the stroll as much as we do, while sipping his  version of coffee called babycino, then we stopped by here and there to take some pictures. And how I loved seeing how the photos turned out at the end of the day; many raw moments which we will treasure in few years to come.

OH LETS PUT A PRESSURE POINT to the outfit theme of the day; STRIPES STRIPES STRIPES…

Don’t they look cute together? Horizontal lines will give wider illusion to your body, an in contrast, vertical lines will give thinner illusion to your body. Let’s see. I don’t really believe in it, I still look wide in these photo though. T T What should I do >>> ? aghhh…Nevermind let’s not focus on my flaws. Let’s take a look at the star of the day/ the over – achiever. My forever firstborn, Jared. He’s clearly looking cute with this edgy look.

Oh and tomorrow we’re going to celebrate Jared’s 4th birthday! DINO RAWR!! gonna get back to blowing some balloons. So see you next week! X

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Jared: Biker’s hat, Denim jacket & Stripes turtle neck (Cotton On Kids), “Play Hard” Legging (Minimacko), Stripes socks (Uniqlo), Shoes (Vans)
Kenny: Outerwear (H&M), Stripes White Pants (Shein), Sunglasses (ASOS), Shoes (Alexander Mcqueen)
Andri: Beanie (Carhartt), Stripe Shirt (GAP), Pants (Zara), Bomber Jacket (H&M)
Asher: Bonnet (Hazel Village), Stripes tee (Cotton On kids), Stripes Navy Overall (Miann & Co), Tights (Ollies & Place)

 

Love,

Kenny

7 TIPS TO GET YOUR KIDS TO SLEEP ALONE

I have to say how happy I am to tuck in a happy kid in bed after 3 years of needing to lay with him till he fell into very deep sleep OR many times I ended up waking up on his bed.

Does it sounds familiar in your household? Then maybe these tips are for you or at least letting you know that it’s possible. Cause I doubted it too. 😉

But, today I am proudly say that these tips do good to us, as a husband and wife, a father and mother. We wake up feeling good.

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7 TIPS TO GET YOUR KIDS TO SLEEP ALONE

1. REASON

Always give your kid a reason behind your action.

I used to say to him that “he is now a big boy, he is brave, etc.” But somehow, it didn’t work. Telling him the fact of his present existence isn’t really helpful.

Then, I tried to use a different approach, “blame others”. I told Jared, that the doctor wants mommy and daddy to sleep at mommy’s bed so baby could have a nice sleep without being possibly kicked by him. While daddy’s need to help mommy in case mommy need to pee at night. He somehow got this idea and let us sleep in our bedroom.

I am not suggesting you to tell any lies to your kids, give them more specific reason which weight on others than YOU, parents. Because kids, they are tend to regards others/strangers highly than their closest ones.

2. REWARD

It is time to congratulate them for their successful effort. By giving them a reward. A sticker, kinder egg, lollies, anything on their top list will do. Because who doesn’t love acknowledgement?! Even a small reward will help to boost the confidence of your minis.

I used to have a sleep tracker stuck on Jared’s bedroom wall. It’s a monthly calendar filled with stickers. 1 sticker for 1 successful night. Every night before bed I always point out to that “sleep track calendar” to remind him of how close he is from getting all the stickers collection.

3. REDUCE

If you happened to get used to stay at your kids room until they fell asleep, you might want to try to reduce your stay inside.

  • Find an excuse to get out of their room with a promise to come back afterwards.
  • Be specific in what you are going to do and when are you coming back.

For example: Mommy needs to throw some laundries to the drier, be back for 5 minutes. Mommy needs to use the toilet to do #2, I promise I’ll be finished in 5 minutes max. Mommy needs to call aunty XX to arrange our playdate tomorrow, be back in 7 minutes. Then, please make sure you’re back at the right time.

My point is this; try to reduce your stay inside your kids’ room to loosen the their attachment before sleep with you. Make them used to with the new (alone) environment.

Do this gradually. A drastic change may cause a shock to your child’s mental. Give time for your child to process the new forms and informations you are trying to implement in the house. Again, it’s all about the progress not the process. We’ve started with 3 minutes – 5 minutes – 10 minutes – standing on his door – 15 minutes – to not coming back because all we can hear is silent.

4. RELY ON THEM

Rely on their choices. They know what works best for them. They know what makes them comfortable most. Let them do it their way. Involve them in the process, count their opinions.

Every time (still today) before I leave the room, I always throw questions to Jared on how he would like to set the mood inside his room which will help him to send him help faster.

  • do you want me to leave your water bottle next to you or may I take it with me?
  • do you want me to cover your whole body with blanket or just your feet?
  • do you want me to turn off or leave the lights on?
  • do you want me to close or leave the door open?

I realised, by allowing Jared to has input in some of the minor decisions, he can begin to feel important and have confidence in their abilities to do so.

5. REINFORCE

Do not forget to send good vibes in the morning post a successful night.

“Mommy and Daddy had such a very good night, and baby were happy too.”

“Mommy is feeling really good this morning, can’t wait to have more fun with you.”

Give the positive credits to your kids as a reassurance of their brave action. “Because of you, I can ________________” (fill in the gap).

6. RESTRAINT

This is the hardest part. One night must be easy. The other nights must be super challenging. One thing to remember, stand on your ground. Restraint on your feet. Do not give in.

There were nights when I had to send him to his room back and forth 20 times; which were very frustrating both physical and emotional. There were nights I ended up raising my voice. BUT, I stand on my belief, that WE (Jared and mommy) can do this together. Both parents and kids need to support one another in order to succeed this challenge.

7. REPEAT

Repeat above steps again and again.

After approximately 60 days of training, consist of repetition of some bedtime routines (which I will post in details next week), we finally made it. Through this repetition, Jared was improved his confidence. The new routine had been set up. And we can’t be more proud and happier than this.

These routine is really helpful for me especially with the addition of the newborn in the house, I am able to get more works done around the house.

Above routine is best to apply for those of you who are not doing co-sleep. Including me, I and hubby chose to choose crib-sleep and keep our bed as our sanctuary. Read more about our crib-sleep journey here.

Above approach isn’t a sleep training, this is for toddlers who has been sleeping through the night without needing any bottle or still weaning. This does not requires a tough love. This requires a lot of patience, assurance, and explanations. Each toddler may not sit at the same level of readiness. Some toddlers, they need more time to adapt, while others may take it instantly.

Nonethless, one key to rememeber; is to keep doing it, and doing it right. You can’t do it for 3 days straight, then stop for the whole week. You gotta be consistent in implementing this new lifestyle.

If you find these tips helpful, leave your comments below. Or you might wanna share some of your tips too, I am more than happy to hear that. Happy trying!! May you have some good quality pillow talks with your partner. Time to mend the romance back. X

 

Love,

Kenny