44 - HELP! My toddler is struggling to listen first thing in the morning (and a quick personal update!)

**SUBMIT YOUR Q FOR ME TO ANSWER IN FUTURE EPISODES**

In this week's episode of Start to Stop Toddler Breastfeeding, I'm answering a question I received from a student in Own Your Breastfeeding Story. 

"How can I encourage my 2 year old to settle down when he is on the bed with us? 

We cosleep and most of the time especially in the morning when he wakes up, after he nurses from me, he immediately goes to wake up our 4 month old, or will start making big movements that will wake her up. 

We try to explain to him that when the newborn is sleeping (or anyone) we whisper and we try not to disturb them.

Is this an unrealistic expectation of a toddler?  What else can we do? "

This kind of situation comes up in lots of different contexts - and for tandem breastfeeding moms, it can feel particularly loaded. 

Breastfeeding is your number one tool, but maybe your toddler isn't interested, or maybe YOU aren't interested.  Are you destined to have a horrible day that begins with a stressful morning?

In the episode I share a few different things to consider, and give some practical support: 

1 - Check in with YOUR expectations first.  

2 - Set your little one up for success by talking about this issue outside of the moment. 

3 - Support them to have something else to do.  

4 - Playfully engage with them to put them into a receptive state and avoid having to tell them what to do/not to do altogether.  

Grab your free guide to say "No" to the feed while still saying "yes" to the need at  www.ownyourparentingstory.com/guide

Love this episode?!  Shoot me a DM over on Instagram @own.your.parenting.story and tell me all about it. <3