Plan a Treat

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Today’s blog activity wasn’t for Veronika; it was for mommy and daddy!

It’s so important to remember to do something special for yourself now and then, whether that means connecting with a partner over a night out on the town, or having friends in for a movie.

A local “speakeasy” with inventive cocktails was on the menu, while grandparents kept watch.

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It was the best feeling to return and hear that Veronika didn’t make a peep but we got to sneak in some grown-up time. My best suggestion for a night like this is to keep the conversation away from the kids; focus on you.

If you don’t have a grandparent nearby who can babysit but the cost of babysitters is prohibitive, one other great idea is a babysitting circle. You can join an app, or simply watch a friend’s kids one night and they watch yours the next. And everyone gets to enjoy a treat!

Building Familiarity

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Seven months old is right about when “stranger danger” kicks in, and this cute activity might help your little one conquer it. Since I had to leave Veronika with her grandmother for a short while today, it was the perfect chance to prep her for a few hours without me!

To build familiarity, we returned to a photo album we made when Veronika was younger. Point out faces of friends and family members before you see them, and then return to the pictures after to reinforce who was who.

Today, Grammy is coming over to visit!

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She loved going through the pictures with me.

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Ok, so there were still tears while I was away, but hopefully each time we do this activity, her comfort level will increase. Familiar surroundings can help, or – if you are meeting up with family outside of the home – bring along a favorite toy!

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