MOM GUILT & SLEEP TRAINING

 
 
 
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I recently had the opportunity to speak with Marcella Kelson who is a Coach & Personal Development Specialist.  Marcella started a series called “Mom Guilt” part of Union Square Play and asked me to discuss “Mom Guilt” when it comes to sleep training, and it really brought to my attention how prevalent this internal struggle is for moms.

I have been sleep consulting for many years and I can honestly say I’ve heard it all!  Some mothers come to me with extreme guilt about sleep training, while others have zero qualms about it.  Wherever you on that spectrum is okay!  If your current sleep situation is no longer working for you or your little one, it’s time to make some changes.

Here is a comparison I love to reference:  When we decide to teach our children to ride a bike, we know they are likely going to fall and potentially get hurt and cry.  However, we decide to follow through with it because riding a bike is a milestone and helps with a child’s development and confidence!   That is similar to sleep training, but oftentimes is perceived very differently.  Sleep training is a loaded phrase, and one that is often associated with “Cry It Out”, when that is not in fact true!

When it comes to sleep training there are several methods that you can use... and guess what!  They all work!!

  • Cry It Out (for parents with a high cry tolerance)

  • Ferber (for parents with a medium cry tolerance)

  • Pick Up Put Down (for parents with a low cry tolerance)

  • Chair Method (for parents who want to be in the room with their child while they learn to self-soothe)

BENEFITS OF SLEEP TRAINING:

  1. Helps aid in a baby/toddler’s cognitive, emotional and physical development

  2. Children thrive off of predictability and routines

  3. Better sleep often leads to better eating

  4.  Studies show that independent sleepers are more confident children and better sleepers as adults

BONUS BENEFITS OF SLEEP TRAINING:

  1. If everyone is sleeping, it makes for a much happier family as a whole

    • Well-rested parents have more energy to practice greater patience

  2. Having peace of mind knowing that anyone can put your child to bed

  3. Knowing that you can go on vacations/weekend getaways, having the confidence that your child can sleep in any environment

  4. To have uninterrupted time with your spouse to unwind

Hearing our little ones cry goes against every fiber of our being.  If you choose a method that you are comfortable with, it might be a tough few nights, but your child will learn the art of independent sleep and the sleepless nights/days will soon be a thing of the past.  It is important that we as moms do not view sleep training as something that is “selfish” or “damaging” but rather as a gift that we are giving our child!

Follow @MarcellaKelson and @UnionSquarePlay on Instagram for more “Mom Guilt” topics and Q&As!

 
Alexandra Coffman