Turn”down time” into “family time”
December 14, 2007 by Andy Merrett · Leave a Comment
Down time? What on earth is that?
Yes, I expect we all know what the phrase means, but there seems to be precious little of it around.
Despite this, it’s highly likely that there are small pockets of “down time” in between all of life’s busyness. These are the times that can be turned into “family time”.
We don’t need hours of time to enjoy being with the people we love,” said Lissa Coffey, family and relationships expert for Hasbro games and author of Getting There! 9 Ways to Help Your Kids Learn What Matters Most in Life. “Catching moments here and there, at home or while waiting at the doctors office, helps to create memories and will build strong, lasting relationships.”
She comes up with some ideas for making the most of short pockets of time that could otherwise slip past.
Green Therapy
To avoid “nature deficit disorder”, get outside — even for just a few minutes. Not only does it distract kids from modern entertainment, but it helps them to appreciate both the family, and the natural world around them.
Over half of new mums have gone 24 hours without sleep
March 12, 2007 by Andy Merrett · Leave a Comment
A UK survey has shown that over half of new mums have gone for a full 24 hours without sleep. Many have reported a feeling of loneliness as the social life drops away, and some have even started to lose the bond with their baby through lack of sleep.
Around three-quarters (72 per cent) of the women surveyed said tiredness put a strain on their relationship with their partner, causing arguments for half of them.
Sleep deprivation can cause depression and a weak immune system as well as the more immediate problems of irritability and difficulties with concentration and co-ordination.
Almost half (44 per cent) of the 796 mums surveyed for Johnson’s Baby, said they don’t like talking to anyone due to exhaustion, 65 per cent don’t leave the house after asleep less night and nearly one third of mums (31 per cent) suffered loneliness.
More worryingly, for 17 per cent of new mothers, the sleepless nights have had a negative impact on their bond with their baby.
