We’ve all been there. Sleepless nights at any age pays a toll on the entire house. Not only do parents feel like zombies, but when mom or dad aren’t at their best, kids pick up on their energy- on top of being tired themselves. Lindsay Woznicki came into her role of sleep consultant organically- from experience. Read on to learn more about her and her company Dream Big Little One Consulting.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have 2 sons, Bradley (3) Parker (1) and due Sept 2nd with #3 (we will know gender mid april!)
What do you love about living in Chicago?
I love being able to live in the city, but also in an area with a neighborhood feel. We can walk to parks and local restaurants. The city itself is so kid friendly and I never feel like my children are unwanted anywhere.
What Neighborhood is your favorite to explore?
I’m biased and I love Lincoln Park, and know the area the best, but my husband and I like to go explore neighborhoods we don’t know as well and try new restaurants too. I moved to Chicago 5.5 years ago and had only visited Chicago 1 time prior, so the city is definitely still new to me!
What are your favorite restaurants and places to shop?
Shopping is pretty non-existent with young kids, besides Target, haha! We do love trying new places to eat that are kid friendly though. Some of my favorites in the neighborhood are Stella Barra, Cafe Ba-ba-reeba, Old Pueblo Cantina, Pat’s Pizza and Avli. I am excited to try Takito Street. We do venture to other neighborhoods to eat as well, but those are favorites near me!
What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me time”?
Workout! I recently joined Lakeshore Sports & Fitness and it was definitively one of the best decisions I have made. So far I have had a great experience and have enjoyed the spin and barre classes, along with just being able to use childcare to get some “me time” (which really means work!). I also love cooking (as long as my husband keeps the kids out of the kitchen). I recently got an air fryer and love it. I highly recommend getting one!
Tell us about Dream Big Little One. How did you get started?
I became a certified pediatric sleep consultant and launched Dream Big Little One to help families everywhere get the sleep they deserve. I had been working a full time corporate job prior to my second son Parker being born. I loved being a stay at home mom, but also knew I wanted to do something for myself as well (I just didn’t know what that was!). Neither of my boys were good sleepers and I had done so much research and reading trying to sleep train both. I realized I also had many friends and family members reaching out to me for help with their babies sleep. I became so passionate about it that I decided to become certified!
Where do you get your inspiration?
I had just sleep trained my second son Parker and my sister-in-law came to me for help. She was co-sleeping her 11 month old son and he was barely getting any sleep. His schedule was a mess and he was going to sleep close to 11pm. She was at her last straw and really needed help. I gave her a plan and helped her through the whole process, and he was quickly sleeping in his crib through the night and on a solid nap schedule. I realized how passionate I was when it came to my own children, but others as well. I felt like it was the perfect time in my life to start a new journey. I love being a sleep consultant. It is so rewarding when your clients tell you that you literally changed their lives in such a short period of time. It usually puts tears in my eyes.
How do you juggle your business with mom life?
I wish I knew, haha! Being a stay at home mom and running a business can be a lot, but I do love being busy! I try to spend the time with my kids between their naps and work then, or after bedtime. Obviously being a sleep consultant I need to be in contact with my clients during the day. I truly do want to give them all the support they need throughout the process, that’s why they came to me. I allow myself to communicating with them when needed, but save all the other stuff for when my kids are sleeping.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Try your best not to yell at your kids! Its a hard one for sure, but I try! Children don’t respond well to yelling and it’s just going to increase the behavior. They love attention, whether it is negative or positive. If you can stop, take a step back, and a deep breath before responding, the situation deescalates.
What’s the best advice you would give to another Chicago mom?
Take advantage of all the city has to offer. We are truly lucky to be able to raise children in such a great place. I was born and raised in the suburbs of NYC and to me having kids in Manhattan was not an option. My husband and I moved to Chicago 5.5 years ago and realized it was doable here. I love to be able to experience so many great things with my kids easily. I tell my son all the time that he doesn’t know how good he has it!