Navigating the sea of parenting advice can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and let’s be honest, you might be tired of hearing it all. But if you can tolerate a little more input, here’s a tip for expectant parents: pay attention to your sleep-training friends.
I usually shy away from giving parenting tips because my approach could be described as “default parenting.” This means trying various trendy parenting techniques, failing, and then just winging it. Yet, of all the advice I received, there’s one piece I truly regret ignoring: I never sleep-trained my children. Trust me, my sanity took a hit because of it.
This regret is coming back to me after reading an article titled “In Defense of Absurdly Early Bedtimes.” Honestly, who needs to defend this practice? Most of us would prefer to relax on the couch rather than juggling parenting responsibilities into the late hours. The author, Sarah Jensen, a science writer who also pens a parenting column for a well-known outlet, ensures her kids are in bed by 7:30 PM, and she’s thriving because of it. Research backs her up, indicating that kids who hit the hay early are not only happier but also more focused and rested.
Jensen refers to several studies showing that kids’ sleep schedules significantly impact their behavior and cognitive skills. “Just four nights of earlier bedtimes improved the mood and memory of 8- to 12-year-olds compared to their peers who went to bed later,” she notes. Another study found that toddlers with early bedtimes were significantly less likely to experience attention issues or aggression by age 8.
The benefits go beyond the kids. Early bedtimes can contribute to parental peace of mind—imagine sipping wine in silence or finally watching that grown-up movie you’ve been eager to see. Honestly, who wouldn’t want that? After five years of sleepless nights, you can understand why I might sound a bit irritable.
That adorable newborn, whose cries you can’t bear, will soon transform into a toddler who brings chaos to your home every evening. My first child was still sleeping in a pack-n-play at age three. Why? Because, without confinement, he’d endlessly roam his room. Some might think I’m exaggerating, but I assure you, I’m not. My nightly routine involved putting him to bed at 8:00 PM, only to hear him chatting with himself until 10:30 PM. Five years later, he still does it!
My second child is a much earlier sleeper, primarily because I was too exhausted to deal with the battle that my firstborn brought. When my daughter resisted bedtime, I didn’t feel the same heartache as before; I knew from experience what could happen if I let her stay up. But, of course, when one child refuses to sleep, it affects the entire household.
I remember my first attempt at the cry-it-out method when my son was four months old. I rushed to his side whispering apologies while he sobbed, and I never looked back. I admit when I’m wrong, and this is a moment of clarity for me.
There’s ample research showing that early bedtimes are beneficial for children. Start setting an earlier schedule when they’re infants, and you’ll be glad you did when you can finally enjoy your “me” time without reading Goodnight Moon for the hundredth time.
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Summary:
Listening to your sleep-training friends might feel annoying, but their advice is backed by research showing that earlier bedtimes can lead to happier, healthier children. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule for your kids can significantly improve their behavior and cognitive skills while also giving parents much-needed downtime.