Kara Aaserud

Just when it seems like babies are getting the hang of the whole sleep thing, they stop sleeping. Don’t worry, sleep regression is real—and it’s normal. Delphine Nicholls Golan knew some damage control was in order. So by the door of the apartment unit next to hers, she placed a bottle of wine, a box of earplugs and a note: “Dear Neighbours: Apologies in advance for any late-night screams.

We asked early childhood educators to reveal how they get our kids to eat their veggies, clean up their toys, go to sleep without a fuss and more. Here’s what we learned—and how you can steal their tricks. “He had a great day,” your kid’s daycare teacher beams. “He listened well, napped for three hours and ate all his veggies.” Ever wonder why the child your daycare describes sounds nothing like the one you drop off and pick up every day?

Photo: Erik Putz, illustration: Jamie Piper How come they listen to you and not me? That’s a question kindergarten teachers get from exasperated parents all the time.