Parenting can be a daunting endeavor, especially when it comes to sleep. My own journey has led me to the unfortunate realization that I have become a sleep failure. If I were to pen a guide on achieving sleep chaos, it might be titled, “How to Cultivate the Worst Sleep Habits in Your Children: A Comprehensive Guide.” Imagine the bestseller potential!
In a recent guest post, a fellow blogger shared her approach to sleep training. She advocates against the “cry it out” method and prefers to keep her children close until they are around 15-18 months, before gradually transitioning them to a shared room with a sibling. This nurturing approach works well for her family, highlighting the fact that parenting is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Ultimately, what matters most is finding what works for you.
However, I must admit that I’ve made several missteps in this area. For those parents grappling with sleep issues or seeking a better approach, I’d like to outline the blunders I’ve committed so you can do the exact opposite.
- Encourage Co-Sleeping from Day One: In an effort to bond with my daughter, Ava, who I couldn’t breastfeed, I allowed her to sleep on me during her early days. This created a dependency, and soon she could only sleep if she was physically on top of me. It took countless sleepless nights to break this habit.
- Respond Immediately to Every Whimper: I have always been sensitive to the sound of my children crying. The moment they make a noise, I rush to their side, inadvertently reinforcing the idea that they can’t self-soothe.
- Avoid Routines: I used to scoff at parents who adhered to strict nap schedules, vowing that my kids would be adaptable. However, their flexibility seems to have a cutoff time—around 11 PM, when their bodies refuse to sleep.
- Fall Asleep Alongside Them: My son, Leo, sleeps well only if I’m crammed into his twin bed beside him. This arrangement limits my own sleep and reinforces his dependence on my presence to drift off.
- Let Them Sleep in the Car: By allowing my children to nap in the car, I’ve conditioned them to prefer the confines of a vehicle over their own beds.
- No Sleep Strategy: I have often flown by the seat of my pants when it comes to parenting, but sleep is an area where a plan is crucial. With countless sleep training books available, it would have been wise to consult one—something I regret not doing.
By following these counterproductive strategies, you can potentially ensure that your children develop poor sleep habits, unlike the restful nights those who plan ahead may experience. For more insights into parenting, check out this useful resource on artificial insemination and related topics at Make a Mom. Also, for a deeper understanding of the process, see this excellent resource on Wikipedia.
In summary, if you’re looking to foster the worst possible sleep habits in your children, consider adopting my missteps. Conversely, if you’d prefer to promote healthy sleep patterns, it may be best to do the opposite of what I’ve outlined.
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