This is my friend, Kara. She is the best teacher in the whole wide world according to Abby and her friends. Kara is also the mom to Robbie, the best dressed almost 2 year old I have ever seen. Seriously, he is gorgeous. Except when facing a challenge all parents face.
My Challenge: Getting my child to sleep
My challenge is getting my toddler to sleep! My degrees in psychology and education couldn’t prepare me to transition my son out of his crib. Nightly, we would hear the loud THUMP and pterodactyl like scream as he escaped his crib, yet again. I know what you’re thinking, how much of a challenge can sleep training really be? Well, after weeks of sleep deprived nights for the whole family, we realized what a luxury sleep really is. Although this is a bump in the toddlerhood road, we won’t let this challenge define us. Extra cuddles, bedtime stories, and special attention will get us through this challenging time…Oh, and loads of coffee!
I really wish I had the magic answer for Kara and all other moms out there. Abby was that first child that just went to bed. Boo? Holy crap that child would scream for two hours, dose for 30 minutes and then start screaming again. We tried the Karp method, we read the Parenting advice, the cry it out method, the sleep with your child even though you are not supposed to method. Finally she just slept. Yet each time we go away, she returns to screaming herself to sleep for three nights.
I am sure Kara would appreciate any advice you can offer in the comments!
What's your challenge is a series that was inspired by a program I created at Abby's school. I am amazed at how honest and hopeful the challenges have been. Thank you to all who have contributed. To submit your challenge, please e-mail me at firebailey@gmail.com
I wish I had suggestions. We had Emma who had colic and then went right into a horrible teething experience. I will say now she sleeps like a rock and can even sleep through our puppy barking and whining, but still that first year or so was totally rough, so my heart goes out to Kara more then you know, as I remember all too well sleep deprivation, which was anything but pretty!
ReplyDeleteKara, I definitely can relate. Most of my kids did great but my son... not so much. He is just social by nature and didn't want to miss out on anything going on. I found with my youngest daughter, the bath before bedtime and quiet time worked great. Dark room at night, and quiet voices, that helped make her a terrific bedtime routined girl. :)
ReplyDeleteI am not a good one to ask for advice on this subject. Bethany is almost 16 and still sleeping with me!
ReplyDeleteOh that is one of the most difficult tests of endurance as a mother!!! Every child is so different!! BOTH of mine needed me with them... and I fought it and hated the fighting and the pressure from outsiders to stick to my guns! I relented and slept with both my children, and although I never got a good night's sleep- I don't regret one night I had them with me...
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