It’s amusing to think that my children—now 15 and 12—have returned to our bedroom for sleep, especially remembering when our firstborn was just a tiny babe. Back then, my partner and I would lounge around, chuckling as we read the Searses’ Attachment Parenting Book out loud. We were exhausted, but what a time it was!
As a side note, or perhaps a funny caption for the photo albums, the Searses had confidently reassured readers that kids usually didn’t co-sleep past age six. “Can you imagine?” we laughed uncontrollably. “What if Ben is still snuggled up with us at six?” Their future was an abstract concept back then; we were lost in the moment, and honestly, the Searses seemed so strange. I vividly recall a drawing (or perhaps it was a description) of their eight children sprawled across various beds and mats in their master bedroom. What a scene!
Despite the worries, I truly cherished co-sleeping. It wasn’t about any moral high ground; it was simply a joy—though not without its complexities. There were those precious moments of nursing, the gentle glow of nightlight illuminating my baby’s face and later, my toddler’s bright grin. Cribs became makeshift forts, while we filled our room with clean cotton pajamas and the comforting scent of little heads. And yes, I was tired—like, really tired—for what felt like years.
Before we knew it, we were living the life of the Searses. Our babies nursed constantly, bedtime routines turned into marathon sessions of stories and cuddles, and I often found myself in a blissful daze, barely conscious as they drifted off to sleep, my hair being gently played with. It was a whirlwind of happiness and exhaustion, wrapped up in gratitude, as I slipped into that peculiar twilight between best and worst moments.
I often found myself reading parenting books that made me feel utterly defeated. It seemed clear that my kids would never sleep alone, and I’d be trapped beneath them, an old woman as they snored their way to middle age. I once babysat my brother’s baby, and when I asked about his bedtime routine, he shrugged and said, “Oh, no routine. Just put him in his crib and turn off the light.” I was baffled! Watching that tiny creature simply close his eyes and drift off felt like magic, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy.
I’m sharing this because I see on platforms like Facebook and other parenting blogs that, astonishingly, new parents are still grappling with these same sleep dilemmas. They’re tired, seeking reassurance that it’s all going to be alright—which it absolutely is! Even my two notoriously poor sleepers are now excellent at sleeping independently and can self-soothe, or whatever it is they do when their legs seem to stretch for miles!
Now, they’ve both returned to my bed, and honestly, it has been the best summer ever. We’ve gone full Searses! Sure, they claim they’re here for the free air-conditioning, but in reality, they stick around even when it’s cool outside. Our bedroom has transformed into a cozy den with blankets and pillows everywhere. We’ve even named our small futon “The Crouton,” ideal for late-night horror movie marathons. It feels like a never-ending campout, with laughter echoing through the night as we binge-watch Mystery Science Theater 3000.
As I fall asleep, I hear my partner and son giggling over Parks and Recreation with their headphones on, while my daughter snores softly beside me. I can’t help but think how easy it would have been to deprive ourselves of these moments. We could have followed someone else’s idea of parenting rather than living in a way that brings us joy. Sure, autumn is on the horizon, and eventually, the kids will return to their rooms, leaving just my partner and me in the big bed again, which isn’t so bad. But I will miss creeping around in the dark, catching glimpses of my beautiful children, their chests rising and falling in peaceful slumber. I feel like the luckiest person alive.
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Summary:
In this lighthearted reflection on co-sleeping, Jamie Thompson shares the joys and challenges of having her children return to her bedroom after years apart. From the comforting chaos of bedtime routines to the bittersweet anticipation of autumn’s arrival, Jamie captures the essence of family life, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment.