Want to know what I consider the 'gray area'? Keep reading!
Sleep training is complicated.
Sure, there are those people who say, "Just let them cry and they'll figure it out." Or, "It must be something you're doing."
Actually, for some families (and you might be one of them if you're reading this!), it's not so straightforward.
REALITY CHECK: There are many influencing factors when it comes to sleep!
- adjusted age
- physical delays or differences
- medical diagnoses or disorders
- parent tolerance and emotional stability
- family support
- siblings
- home environment and sleep set up
- family schedule and routine
Here's what I mean by the 'gray area.'
IDEA:
Sleep training does not have to be an all or nothing approach.
The goal of sleep coaching is not to help a child sleep through the night. The goal is to help the child learn new skills to improve sleep.
Are you cheering inside because you don't have to do upend your life to work on your child's sleep?!
It's true! I often give my clients "homework" for a week or two which actually prepares their child for sleep training. In the process, sleep often improves just by making some slight changes in schedule, habits, and routines.
RESOURCE:
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TIP:
Sleep Coaching is a learning opportunity for the whole family. Parents learn how their behaviors influence their child and children learn new skills with the support from their parents.
Examples of 'homework':
- Asking your pediatrician if your child is ready for sleep training (and can go the night without eating).
- Regulating bedtime and wake up time.
- Moving the bottle feeding to earlier in the bedtime routine.
- Keeping a sleep log.
When I sleep coach, I focus on the life-long learning that happens, not about reaching an ultimate goal. When you approach sleep training with this mindset, it feels more attainable and less stressful!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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