I meet so many families who think the first thing I will tell them is that they’ve made a big mistake getting their baby or child off to sleep by doing something intensive. Well, no. In fact, the first thing I say is this:
“parent-intensive sleep methods in the early days of a child’s life help build a positive foundation of emotional wellness on which to make slow and transitional changes with sleep if and when the family is ready to make those changes”
Being a parent is all about doing what feels right for you and your child. Helping your child off to sleep may be something that comes completely natural to you, and that’s great!
There may come a time that the method you’ve chosen when your child was younger no longer seems right. The way we parent evolves and changes, and this is certainly true of the way we choose to help our children get good sleep. There is a way of transitioning from what you are currently doing to where you want your “to-sleep-scenarios” being. Think of changing the method slowly, be patient and you’ll probably be surprised that you CAN actually help your child makes those changes with a bit of determination.
Yes, I am a sleep consultant, BUT I’m also a mum of young kiddies, a midwife and doula — I don’t have “rose-coloured glasses” about how sleep should, could or would be. I realise that sleep looks different in every single home. So, do what you think is right for you and your child and when that changes, start thinking about ways to make it look different. And if the time never comes when you feel a change is needed, then great! Keep on doing what you’re doing. And don’t forget to enjoy. 🙂
Happy transitioning!
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