As a parent, I’ve encountered some unexpected challenges, such as my son choosing to sleep on the floor since January—yes, it’s now December.
What led to this unusual sleeping arrangement, you might wonder? I wish I could provide a clear-cut answer, perhaps a medical or psychological explanation, but the truth is, it all began during the potty training phase.
(Doesn’t everything seem to stem from this pivotal moment?) Amidst the whirlwind of caring for a newborn and managing the chaos of potty training my then two-and-a-half-year-old, he suddenly decided he was done with his bed. Strange, right?
Potty Training and Its Effects
Potty training can bring about a range of behaviors:
- Your child might experience constipation.
- They might become a bit of a challenge.
- Emotional or intellectual regression can occur.
- Sleep patterns can be disrupted.
- Appetite changes may arise.
In the midst of all this, I thought it somewhat normal for him to opt for the floor as a sleeping arrangement. After all, his world had just changed dramatically with the arrival of a new sibling and the transition to using the toilet. Life can be tough.
Initially, my husband and I believed this was just a phase that would pass. However, weeks turned into months, and before we knew it, nearly a year had gone by.
I wasn’t always so indifferent about this issue. We tried numerous strategies to entice him back into his bed. We offered rewards, relocated his bed closer to the door, and even allowed him to sleep with his twinkling lights on. We threatened to revoke privileges, which led to him going two solid weeks without any television (truly, more of a punishment for us). Nothing worked.
No matter our efforts, he consistently chose to sleep on the floor, curled up by the door on his favorite blue blanket—his makeshift mattress. Eventually, we stopped trying to tuck him into bed, opting instead to “tuck” him into the floor, giving him a kiss and closing the door mere inches from his face. My pre-parent self would have been appalled.
But that’s parenthood for you. Sometimes, we choose our battles, and other times, we lie down beside our child on the floor, ensuring their favorite stuffed animal is snugly tucked under their arm.
When asked why he prefers sleeping on the floor, my son simply shrugs and says, “I like it.”
Eventually, my husband and I reached a place of acceptance. We realized this was not a battle worth fighting. Sure, we could lift him back into bed multiple times each night or strip away all his privileges, making his life more miserable in the process (a strategy we seriously considered—for all of five minutes). But we chose to let it go.
Discernment in Parenting
A significant part of parenting involves discernment: Am I making the right choices? Should I be more strict or more lenient? Among these questions lies a crucial one: Is this a battle worth engaging in?
Here’s what I know. My son has a safe home, warm pajamas, and a cozy carpet beneath him. He goes to sleep each night with a full stomach and relatively clean teeth. He has far more than many children around the globe. So if he wants to rest on the floor instead of in his bed and is not causing any harm, why should it matter? If he chooses granola bars and fruit for dinner instead of the nutritious pasta I’ve prepared, is it truly a crisis? His pediatrician has reassured us that his growth indicates he is receiving the nutrition he requires, so I’m not overly concerned.
At three years old, my son sleeps on the floor and enjoys granola bars for dinner. Do I wish he would sleep in his bed and eat a wider variety of foods? Certainly. Have I tried different strategies to encourage this change? Absolutely. Am I willing to engage in a daily struggle over these issues? Not really.
Choosing Our Battles
So, what battles are worth pursuing? In our household, kindness and respect are at the forefront. We prioritize kindness towards ourselves and others, valuing honesty, sharing, and respect for our belongings and the planet. When our son shows signs of unkindness, my husband and I are ready to step in and address it—we see that as a worthy battle.
For those of us raising young children, we face daily choices about which battles to engage in. Whether your child sleeps on the floor, has a limited lunch menu, or insists on wearing a princess costume repeatedly, it’s perfectly fine.
My son is three, and he’s a bit unconventional, but my goal is to guide him toward becoming a kind individual. That is ultimately all I hope for your child as well. Your little one is welcome to visit dressed in costume, armed with snacks. I understand, and I will embrace their quirks.
I anticipate that my son will transition back to his bed long before he heads off to college. Until then, we’ve decided to gift him a sleeping bag for Christmas.
Further Reading
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Summary
Parenting often involves discerning which challenges are worth tackling. As seen in the example of a child choosing to sleep on the floor instead of in their bed, sometimes letting go of minor issues can lead to a more peaceful family dynamic. Prioritizing core values like kindness and respect can help guide parenting decisions, while recognizing that not every battle needs to be fought.
Keyphrase: parenting battles
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