Ah, sleep! That elusive treasure that seems to vanish the moment you become a parent. If I were to pen a book, it would undoubtedly be titled “How to Raise Kids Who Are Absolutely Terrible Sleepers – A Parent’s Guide.” A sure-fire bestseller, right?
I recently stumbled upon a guest post by a fellow blogger who shared her lovely methods for getting her kids to sleep. She’s against the “cry it out” approach and opts to keep her littles close until they’re about 15-18 months old before gently transitioning them to share a room with a sibling. How sweet! But let’s be honest: parenting is all about what works for your family, and that’s the only rule that counts.
Now, I must confess: I’ve committed nearly every sin imaginable when it comes to sleep. So, for those parents out there grappling with bedtime battles, let me share my missteps so you can do the exact opposite. You’re welcome!
- Insist on Co-Sleeping from Day One. I was convinced that my little munchkin, Ava, wouldn’t bond with me unless she slept right on top of me. This led to a newborn who could only catch Z’s while cozied up on my chest. Months later, I was still trying to unlearn that habit!
- Never Let Them Cry. True to my nature, I’m a total softy when it comes to my kids’ whimpers. The second I hear a peep, I’m racing to their rescue (from their own sound sleep, mind you).
- Avoid Routines Like the Plague. I always thought it was silly when other parents were tied to their children’s nap schedules. I swore mine would be flexible and free-spirited—until 11 PM rolled around and chaos ensued.
- Doze Off Alongside Them. My son, Max, sleeps in his own room, but only if I’m squeezed in next to him on his tiny twin bed. It’s a tight fit!
- Embrace Accidental Co-Sleeping. My kids have a knack for finding their way into my bed at night—often out of sheer laziness on my part. Why walk down the hall when I can just let them snuggle in?
- Make Car Naps the Norm. My kids have gotten so used to snoozing in the car that they now prefer it over their own beds. Great.
- Fly Blind Without a Sleep Plan. I’m typically a “go with the flow” parent, but sleep is one area where having a plan is crucial. There are countless books on effective sleep strategies, and I probably should’ve read at least one of them.
So there you have it! If you want to ensure your kids become the worst sleepers ever, just follow my lead. And for those looking for some solid advice on home insemination, check out this excellent resource at Progyny. Plus, if you’re interested in at-home options, consider visiting Make a Mom for authoritative insights. And if you’re curious about other parenting topics, take a peek at this blog post.
In summary, sleep is a tricky subject that can often feel like a battlefield. By learning from the mistakes of others (like me), hopefully you can carve out a peaceful night’s rest for you and your little ones.