How Parenting is Like A Poker Game

Like any good poker player, moms have to know their kid's "tell"

Not a poker player? Don't worry, you'll still follow along with this kinda strange analogy...

A tell in poker is a change in a player's behavior or demeanor that gives clues to that player's feelings about their hand. A player gains an advantage if they observe and understand the other player's tell, particularly if the tell is unconscious and reliable.

So, imagine bedtime is the poker match. (I told you this was kinda weird...)

Bedtime is the poker match and your kid is the other player. You will be able to consistently win (at bedtime) if you can watch the other player (your kid) and learn to read their unconscious cues (AKA sleepy cues) letting you know what they're feeling (tired).

Sleepy cues are your kid's tell.

They let you know the perfect time to put your kiddos to bed.

You know what I always say? Perfect timing produces no crying!

If you can get bedtime right - before your kiddo gets a second wind - bedtime can be a b r e e z e.

Am I talking about yawning & eye rubbing? Nope.

Those are late-stage, advanced sleepy cues. Once you see those signs, you’ve missed the optimal sleepy window - you're putting your child down too late.

Start watching your kids like a hawk around 6pm to see their tells - their unique early signs of sleepiness.

Every kid is different.

Some kids stop engaging, look away, stop making eye contact. Some kids start to act like their head is heavy.

A client told me the other day that her super inquisitive son stops asking questions around 6:30. That's how they knew he was getting tired. They moved bedtime from 7:45 to 6:45 and BAM! Once they figured that out - bedtime battles were over and the whole process went much smoother and quicker.

Start looking tonight.

See if you can figure out your kid's tells.

More questions?

Let's set up a free Sleep Strategy call to make sure you're on the right path. click here.