April 13, 2005

Sleeping Beauties

We know it was tough listening to those nights of hysterical crying some of you may have endured when you Ferberized your little one, but eventually you got what you wanted: a baby who lets you sleep through the night.

The same technique doesn't work for toddlers. First off, they can jump out of bed whenever sleep eludes them, and second, the reasons they can't fall asleep in the first place have changed. Perhaps they're suddenly afraid of the dark, or are having a tough time getting used to a new house or mom's change in work hours. Maybe it's simply the fact that Cleo and Sofia are giving her the cold shoulder at circle time.

Enter The Sleep Fairy. This new spoken-word CD lullaby was created by Lisa Malkiewicz, a qualified stress management consultant whose own daughter faced nightmares and fears about going to bed. As a successful coach to anxious high-powered execs, Malkiewicz realized her daughter's problem could be solved by modifying some of the techniques she used with her adult clientele. With a soothing voice and gentle direction, Malkiewicz made a recording that successfully aided her daughter in falling asleep. When her friends started to request copies for their own children, she created The Sleep Fairy.

This half-hour program helps kids fall asleep easily and soundly by teaching a series of thought cycles that relaxes and creates positive mental habits at bedtime. In turn, they get a boost to their self-esteem and learn stress-reducing techniques in a fun, supportive, and imaginative way.

Our question? Where is the grown-up version of The Sleep Fairy when we're battling the monsters in our closet and the stuff lurking under the bed?

Available online at sleepfairy.com.

Wake Robin Inn
Stay at the family-friendly Wake Robin Inn and explore the tranquility of Litchfield County and the Berkshires. Now through April, mention UrbanBaby and get the best family lodging rates: $129 per night before tax for a family of four; continental breakfast included. Call 860-435-2000 or www.wakerobininn.com.