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Sleep deprivation isn't just a phase—it’s a reality many new parents face during the first few months of their baby’s life. If you’re waking up every 90 minutes, trying every trick in the book, or Googling “why won’t my baby sleep?” at 3 a.m., you’re not alone.


There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about what infant sleep should look like—and even more guilt when things don’t go “by the book.” But the truth is, infant sleep is complex, ever-changing, and different for every baby. Getting support with sleep isn’t a weakness—it’s a gift. For your baby. And for you.


Father joyfully lifts his baby in a softly lit nursery, illustrating bonding and emotional connection that supports healthy infant sleep.
A well-rested baby is a growing baby. Quality sleep supports brain development, mood regulation, and overall wellness.

Why Infant Sleep Is So Challenging


Infants are not born with the ability to sleep through the night. In fact, their circadian rhythms (internal clocks) are still developing. Most babies need to wake frequently for feeds, comfort, and connection—especially during the newborn stage (0–12 weeks). But that doesn’t mean you have to struggle endlessly.


Common sleep challenges include:

  • Frequent night wakings

  • Catnapping during the day

  • Difficulty settling to sleep

  • Needing to be rocked, held, or fed to sleep every time

  • Short naps and unpredictable sleep patterns

  • Day/night confusion in newborns


As babies grow, sleep patterns shift again during:

  • Growth spurts

  • Sleep regressions

  • Developmental milestones

  • Teething and illness


It’s no wonder so many parents feel like they’re failing. But you're not. You're just navigating something no one taught you how to manage—yet.



The Truth About “Sleeping Through the Night”


Let’s clear this up: “Sleeping through the night” doesn’t mean your baby never wakes up. In fact, everyone—babies, children, and adults—experiences brief wake-ups throughout the night as part of a normal sleep cycle.

The difference is that adults and older children typically know how to shift between sleep cycles without needing outside help. Babies, on the other hand, often wake and signal for support to fall back asleep—especially if they’ve learned to rely on external cues like rocking, nursing, or being held.


Sleeping through the night means your baby is able to transition between sleep cycles independently, without needing a feed, rocking, or prolonged intervention from a caregiver. This is called self-soothing, and it’s a skill that can be supported, nurtured, and strengthened over time.


Some babies begin to naturally extend their sleep stretches earlier on, while others need more structured support. Factors like temperament, developmental stage, feeding patterns, and even environment all play a role in how and when this ability develops.


If your baby needs to be fed, rocked, or held every time they wake—you're not doing anything wrong. But if it's no longer working for your family, you don’t have to wait it out or figure it out alone.


This is where professional sleep support becomes incredibly valuable. It helps you:

  • Understand your baby’s specific sleep patterns and needs

  • Identify what’s developmentally appropriate based on age

  • Gradually shift sleep associations so your baby can settle back to sleep on their own

  • Build a healthy, sustainable sleep foundation for the whole family


With a clear plan, consistent routine, and support that respects your parenting values, your baby can learn to sleep longer, deeper, and more predictably—and so can you.



Why Sleep Support Is a Gift for Your Baby


Sleep support isn’t just about longer nights—it directly benefits your baby’s development, emotional regulation, physical health, and overall well-being. During sleep, your baby’s brain is busy forming connections, storing memories, and processing everything they’ve learned throughout the day. Quality rest also supports immune function, appetite regulation, and reduces fussiness.


Helping your baby establish healthy sleep habits early on sets the foundation for long-term growth and resilience. With the right support, sleep becomes a source of strength—not stress—for both your baby and your family.


Here are just a few of the ways sleep support positively impacts your baby’s development:


  • Supports Brain Growth: Sleep is when your baby’s brain forms important connections for learning, memory, and emotional regulation.

  • Boosts Immune Health: Rest helps your baby’s body repair and build immunity, reducing illness and improving recovery.

  • Regulates Mood: Well-rested babies cry less, feed better, and are more alert and engaged during the day.

  • Builds Healthy Sleep Habits: Support sets the foundation for lifelong sleep skills—without creating stress or confusion for your baby.


Better sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s part of helping your baby thrive.



Why Sleep Support Is a Gift for You


You matter, too.


Parenting from a place of exhaustion affects everything—your physical health, mental clarity, relationships, mood, and even your ability to connect with your baby. When you're chronically sleep-deprived, the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. You may become more irritable, anxious, emotional, or even start to resent your role—not because you're a bad parent, but because you're running on empty.


Getting sleep support is not about having a "perfect" baby or following rigid rules—it's about feeling empowered, informed, and rested enough to enjoy this season.


Here’s what sleep support gives you as a parent:

  • Clarity and confidence about what’s developmentally normal vs. what may need adjustment

  • A personalized plan that adapts with your baby’s growth, temperament, and needs

  • Predictable stretches of rest so you can recover, reset, and be fully present

  • Reduced stress and decision fatigue, especially around bedtime and night wakings

  • Tools to stop second-guessing yourself and the constant pressure to “figure it out” alone

  • Time and energy for bonding, instead of simply surviving the day

  • A sense of control in a stage that often feels overwhelming and unpredictable


Sleep support is not a shortcut—it’s an investment in your mental health, family dynamic, and overall quality of life.


You deserve rest. You deserve support. You deserve to feel confident in your parenting—not just exhausted by it.



Why Choose Family Tree Support Services?


At Family Tree Support Services, we provide developmentally appropriate, responsive sleep support to help your baby sleep better—without pressure, guilt, or confusion.


Led by Jacael Wallace, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, our services include:

  • Structured Sleep Training (Virtual or In-Person) with a Personalized Sleep Plan tailored to your baby’s age, needs, and temperament

  • All About Newborn Sleep (First 12 Weeks) – a foundational workshop for expectant and new parents

  • Ask Me Anything Sleep Calls – focused 30- to 60-minute sessions to answer your most pressing baby or toddler sleep questions


Whether you're struggling with night wakings, short naps, or sleep regressions, we’ll meet you where you are—and help your family rest.



What Parents Are Saying


"I cannot recommend her enough!"


"Jacael was so great—first, we had some unique and unexpected life constraints and needed immediate help, and she rearranged her schedule to get us in ASAP. Secondly, we had a baby who was waking up frequently at night. Jacael gave us a great sleep plan, did two overnight shifts, and somehow got our kids room-sharing and sleeping all night with no wakeups.


Lastly, Jacael was super kind and trustworthy, and I felt safe working with her in my home. I cannot recommend her enough!!"



Ready for Better Sleep?


Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a foundation for your baby’s development and your family’s well-being. Getting sleep support doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it means you’re making an informed choice to show up fully for your baby, your partner, and yourself.


  • Book a consultation or sleep support session today

  • Join our next “All About Newborn Sleep” workshop

  • Learn more at www.familytreess.com


Better sleep is possible. And it starts here.

Temper tantrums are a common—and often stressful—part of early childhood development. If your toddler suddenly bursts into tears, screams over the wrong snack, or throws themselves on the floor when it's time to leave the park, you’re not alone. These intense emotional outbursts can feel overwhelming, but they’re actually a normal and healthy part of your child’s development.


Understanding the why behind tantrums and learning age-appropriate strategies can make a world of difference. In this blog, we’ll explore:

  • What temper tantrums are

  • Why they happen at different stages

  • How to manage tantrums with calm, confidence, and consistency

  • When to seek extra support from a Certified Parent Coach


young boy crying, frustrated, having a tantrum
Temper tantrums are a common behavior amongst toddlers, especially between the ages of 1 and 4.

What Are Toddler Temper Tantrums?


Temper tantrums (also known as meltdowns) are intense emotional reactions in toddlers and preschoolers. These outbursts can include:

  • Crying or screaming

  • Kicking, hitting, or throwing

  • Refusing to follow directions

  • Emotional shutdowns or withdrawal


Tantrums are most common between ages 1 and 4, when children are rapidly developing emotionally but still lack the language, self-control, and coping skills to handle big feelings.



Why Do Temper Tantrums Happen?


While every child is different, tantrums are often triggered by common emotional, physical, or environmental factors. Understanding why tantrums happen can help you respond with more patience and clarity.

Here are the most common causes:


Frustration

Toddlers are curious, determined, and constantly trying to do things on their own. But when their physical or language skills can’t keep up with their goals—like not being able to open a snack bag or express what they want—they quickly become frustrated. Tantrums are their way of saying, “I need help!” or “This isn’t fair!”


Overstimulation

Busy environments, loud noises, bright lights, or too many activities at once can overwhelm a toddler’s developing nervous system. When they’re overstimulated, they may have trouble processing their surroundings, leading to sensory overload and emotional meltdowns.


Hunger or Tiredness

Think of your toddler like a phone with a low battery—when they’re hungry or tired, they’re far more likely to crash. A skipped nap, a late meal, or a packed day can lower their tolerance for frustration and lead to explosive reactions over seemingly small things.


Transitions and Change

Switching from one activity to another—like leaving the playground, turning off the TV, or getting dressed—can be emotionally jarring for toddlers. They thrive on predictability, and sudden or frequent transitions can leave them feeling powerless, which often leads to resistance or tantrums.


Limited Language Skills

Even if your child knows a few words, they’re still learning to name their feelings and ask for what they need. When they can’t explain that they’re upset, tired, overstimulated, or frustrated, their emotions bubble over into physical expressions—like yelling, throwing, or crying.



Tantrums by Age: What to Expect and How to Respond


Ages 1–2: Building Emotional Foundations

At this stage, toddlers are learning to express themselves but don’t yet have the words. Tantrums are often their only way to communicate frustration or confusion.


Tips:

  • Stay calm—your composure helps them feel safe.

  • Label emotions simply: “You’re mad.”

  • Offer choices: “Red cup or blue cup?”


Ages 2–3: Seeking Independence

Toddlers want control and independence—but still need help managing boundaries. Tantrums can erupt when they feel overwhelmed or powerless.


Tips:

  • Set clear, consistent boundaries.

  • Use distraction and redirection.

  • Validate feelings: “It’s okay to feel upset.”


Ages 3–4: Learning to Regulate Emotions

Kids this age are more socially and emotionally aware but still lack strong self-regulation skills. Tantrums may happen after busy days, during transitions, or when told "no."


Tips:

  • Teach calm-down techniques (deep breathing, counting).

  • Use simple social stories about emotions.

  • Create calm-down corners or safe spaces.


Ages 4–5: Social & Emotional Pressure

As peer interactions grow, so do emotional challenges. Tantrums may stem from social frustration, feeling misunderstood, or wanting autonomy.


Tips:

  • Model how to express frustration calmly.

  • Praise emotional regulation: “You used your words—great job!”

  • Role-play social situations like sharing and taking turns.



Tantrums Are Normal—But You Don’t Have to Handle Them Alone


Tantrums can feel like a test of your patience, but they’re also an opportunity for teaching emotional skills and building connection. With the right approach, these challenging moments can become powerful learning tools—for both you and your child.


At Family Tree Support Services, we understand how tough this season can be. That’s why we offer personalized parent coaching to support you through toddlerhood with confidence and compassion.



Get Support Through Parent Coaching


If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to respond to your child’s behavior, we’re here to help. Work one-on-one with Certified Parent Coach Jacael Wallace to:

  • Build a plan for managing tantrums calmly and effectively

  • Learn how to support your child’s emotional development

  • Set healthy limits without power struggles

  • Reduce yelling, guilt, and overwhelm



Learn More in Our Positive Parenting Workshops


We also offer interactive virtual workshops designed to help you understand your child’s behavior and respond in ways that build trust, connection, and emotional strength.


Upcoming Workshops:

Positive Parenting: Navigating the Toddler Years


Perfect for parents of toddlers ages 1–4, learn how to:

  • Manage tantrums

  • Set limits with love

  • Support toddler brain development


Reserve your spot today at www.familytreess.com




Welcoming a new baby is a joyous occasion, but it can also be overwhelming for new parents. This is where a postpartum doula comes in—a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to families during the postpartum period. In this blog post, we’ll explore the vital role of postpartum doulas, their benefits, and how they can help make the transition to parenthood smoother.


role of a postpartum doula, parents with their doula
Postpartum Doula with their Postpartum Doula

What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?


  1. Emotional Support: Postpartum doulas offer a listening ear and emotional reassurance to new parents, helping them navigate the challenges of early parenthood.

  2. Physical Assistance: They can assist with household tasks such as meal preparation, light cleaning, and laundry, allowing parents to focus on bonding with their baby.

  3. Breastfeeding Support: Many doulas provide guidance on breastfeeding techniques and help mothers establish a comfortable routine.

  4. Infant Care Education: Doulas teach parents about infant care basics, including diapering, bathing, and soothing techniques, empowering them with confidence.

  5. Sibling Support: They can help older siblings adjust to the new family dynamic, providing attention and activities that make the transition smoother.


Benefits of Hiring a Postpartum Doula

  • Increased Confidence: Having a knowledgeable support person can boost parents’ confidence in their caregiving skills.

  • Reduced Stress: Doulas help alleviate the stress of new responsibilities, creating a more relaxed home environment.

  • Improved Family Bonding: With less pressure on parents, they can spend more quality time bonding with their newborn.

  • Tailored Support: Doulas offer personalized care based on each family’s unique needs, preferences, and parenting styles.


When to Consider Hiring a Postpartum Doula

  • After a Challenging Birth: If the birth experience was traumatic or complicated, a postpartum doula can provide essential emotional support.

  • For First-Time Parents: New parents often benefit from extra guidance and reassurance as they navigate uncharted territory.

  • If You Have Limited Support: If family or friends are not available to help, a postpartum doula can fill that gap and provide vital assistance.


The Role of a Postpartum Doula Provides Families with Significant Support

A postpartum doula plays a crucial role in supporting families during the often overwhelming early days of parenthood. By offering emotional support, practical assistance, and educational resources, doulas empower new parents to thrive in their new roles. If you’re welcoming a new baby, consider hiring a postpartum doula to help make your transition smoother and more enjoyable. Embrace the journey of parenthood with confidence and support!


If you are interested in hiring a doula schedule a inquiry call on our website.

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