By: Jamie Thompson
Updated: February 5, 2016
Originally Published: February 4, 2016
As a parent of three children under the age of eight, I’ve experienced my fair share of sleepless nights. Each child has exhibited unique sleeping challenges. My eldest had a dependency on being held to sleep, while my youngest preferred to wake up for late-night “parties.” My middle child was a blend of both extremes. Over the years, I’ve been the recipient of well-meaning but often misguided advice from individuals who either lack parenting experience or assume their strategies are universally applicable. While I generally maintain a polite demeanor, sleep deprivation can make me want to respond with a bit more honesty. Here are some of the gems of advice I’ve received, along with the reactions I wish I could express:
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Consult a Physician for Medication.
Ah, yes, because doctors surely hand out sleep aids to toddlers. If you had children, you’d know that most medical professionals won’t prescribe anything until the child reaches two years of age. Prior to that, parents are left with a choice between Tylenol and ibuprofen—both of which are more placebo than panacea. A visit to the doctor typically results in a shrug and a hefty bill for absolutely no solutions.
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Skip Daytime Naps.
Why not just ask me to hold my breath for twelve hours? Denying my child naps will only lead to a cranky atmosphere for everyone involved. I need those naps as much as my child does. They provide a much-needed break from the constant demands of parenting—allowing me to wash my hands, sit down, and take a moment without sticky fingers or the worry of a diaper change.
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Let the Baby Cry It Out.
Sure, that sounds great in theory. I attempted this once and won’t be repeating that mistake. The emotional weight of hearing my child cry was far more taxing than the lack of sleep itself.
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Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine.
Really? If only life were that simple! A consistent bedtime might have worked for my first child, but juggling work and other responsibilities made it nearly impossible. Now, with three kids, bedtime is a chaotic affair filled with tears, last-minute homework, and snack requests—good luck sticking to a routine in that environment.
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Put the Baby Down While Drowsy.
Oh, sure. I’ll just monitor my child’s drowsiness while trying to manage dinner and homework for my two older kids. Life doesn’t come with a pause button, and I can’t drop everything simply because my toddler’s eyelids are getting heavy.
Yet, amid the chaos, there are rare nights when all three kids sleep through the night. As I wake after a blissful eight hours of sleep, I often wonder if the only reason for their quiet is because one of them is unresponsive. This leads to frantic checks for breathing, which usually results in waking at least one child in the process.
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Summary
Parenting can be a wild ride, especially when it comes to managing sleep (or lack thereof) for young children. While well-intentioned advice often falls short, it’s essential to navigate these challenges with humor and understanding. Embrace the chaos, and remember that every parent faces their own unique set of hurdles.
Keyphrase: baby sleep strategies
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