Mom on the Clock #001

♾️ The Two-Minute Oval Eights Bedtime Reset

Working Mom life is incredibly hectic and demanding, but also can be very rewarding. A few weeks ago I had one of those days. My little boy was due for his 1 year old checkup! Work was psycho, but when 5 o’clock hit, I slammed my laptop shut after a marathon of treating, and sprinted to the pediatrician, to make it in time for the very last appointment slot (which I scheduled weeks before to ensure I could even be there). I walked with him back to the room and the doc had to give him some shots. The shots went in, and my one-year-old cried, I scooped him up…and his whole body just melted. That hug? It erased every ounce of “working-mom guilt” in one breath.

But that post-shot hug also reminded me of something powerful: deep touch can flip a child’s nervous system from “meltdown mode” to “mellow” in seconds. As an OT, I’ve seen how maximizing these small moments can transform chaos into connection, and as a mom, I know how hard it is to find time for them. That’s where the Oval Eights routine comes in—a quick, science-backed way to calm your child and end the day guilt-free, whether they’re a baby, toddler, or big kid.

Here’s how it works:

• Hug: Pull your kiddo close—babies, toddlers, or big kids, everyone’s welcome.

• Trace: With your palm, draw a slow figure-eight on their back four times.

• Pause: Hold gentle pressure in the center for seven seconds.

• Repeat: Four rounds total, about two minutes.

The result? Their nervous system downshifts, eyelids droop, and you walk away knowing you’ve given them a moment of calm. It’s like bottling that post-shot hug to make bedtime a breeze.

Bonus Touch Tricks to Mix It Up

Want to keep the calm going? Try these extras when the mood strikes:

• Slow Squeezes: Gently press from shoulder to hand or hip to foot, one limb at a time.

• XO Tracing: Draw a light “X” then “O” on their back—quick, playful, and grounding.

Safety note: Match pressure to your child’s age and comfort; lighter is safer. If unsure, check with an occupational therapist.

Why Oval Eights Works

This routine isn’t just a feel-good moment—it’s science. Deep touch, like hugs and traces, signals the brain to relax, reducing stress for your child and you. Those two minutes wire their nervous system for self-soothing, paving the way for fewer meltdowns and smoother nights. On those circus-like days, Oval Eights is your secret weapon to reset, connect, and clock out guilt-free.

Why This Matters

Every squeeze, roll, and tracing wires your child’s brain for self-soothing. Fewer meltdowns, smoother bedtimes, and a kid who knows they’re safe and capable—all from two minutes you already have.