CHILDREN’S SLEEP PROBLEMS: PARENTS’ READIDNESS

This “Readiness Factor” has more to do with the success of all of the methods than any other factor. This cannot be emphasized enough and should certainly not be scoffed at.

Too often parents will succumb to feelings of guilt or to pressure from other people. They try something—usually whatever has been “suggested” m often—and it fails. The list under “we-tried-that” only looks like proof t nothing will ever work.

All methods of addressing sleep problems are difficult even when begun with the utmost determination. To begin before you are ready is to yourself—and your child—up for failure. That sense of failure usually la longer than if you had waited until you were fully ready.

How do you know when you are “ready?” It is a balance of be exhausted, frustrated, and prepared.

Developing a plan that feels personalized to your situation will give you more confidence to begin. Deciding what does and doesn’t feel right about current situation helps you define the problem for yourself. Trouble-shooting “glitches” before you encounter them gives you more ammunition. Work with your partner ahead of time builds a stronger, united front. Find supports before you need them means they will be there when you Examining the range of emotions and thoughts you have on the whole issue v help you give yourself permission to begin. You need to reach the conclusion that it is important to make some changes.

At five months I thought she was too young to sleep better. At seven months; was learning to crawl—and was so frustrated. At a year she wouldn’t leave side. Now she’s two and teething miserably again. Before I know it she’ll be college—1 guess then it’s okay to stay up all night!

Is it too late? “She climbs out of her crib,” “He can cry for hours,” “She still nurses every two hours,” “He has a baby brother now,” the reasons to take or not to take action are many.

It is never too late—you only have more information to take into account. Maybe it would have been easier yesterday, but chances are it will be easier today than tomorrow.

Identifying problem areas and your motivation for making changes are the f steps in problem solving. You also need solid information about children sleep.

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