Parenting Insights
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During my son’s first visit to the pediatrician, just days after his arrival, I felt completely criticized for nursing him to sleep and allowing him to share our bed. Truthfully, I wasn’t getting much sleep myself, but it was the only way I could soothe him. With my then-partner and I running on mere hours of rest, having him close was a lifesaver. I tried following the doctor’s advice but ultimately gave up, and my son ended up sleeping with us on and off until he turned one.
When my daughter was born shortly after my son started sleeping alone, I welcomed another son just a year later. Unsurprisingly, they both followed in their big brother’s footsteps, seeking comfort in our bed. I chose to embrace what worked for us without second-guessing myself.
As years passed, once my daughter figured out how to crawl out of her crib, she’d sneak in between us each night, and my youngest followed suit. We often wondered how long this arrangement would last. Initially, sharing a bed as a family was cozy, but let’s face it—when kids join you, they dominate the space. They kick, steal blankets, and if you try to return them to their beds, they either resist fiercely or come right back.
If you haven’t had a late-night standoff with a mini version of yourself, are you even a parent? The easiest option was to let them stay so we could all catch some sleep and feel somewhat like ourselves the next day.
It wasn’t until my kids were around five that they started to stop coming into our bed every night—though it still happened frequently. We tried to make it fun by telling them they could join us if they wanted, but we would set up a comfy bed on the floor for them. I thought this would deter them, but for little kids, it was like camping, and they loved it even more! They’d sneak in at night, and we wouldn’t even notice. They’d fall asleep quickly, and everyone was content.
This continued for a few more years. I made it clear they needed to tidy their makeshift bed in the morning if they wanted to sleep with us, and they passed that challenge with ease. It wasn’t until my daughter turned twelve and my son eleven that their nightly visits finally came to an end.
Honestly, I miss those moments dearly. Now that they’re teenagers, even the sound of my breathing annoys them.
I know co-sleeping can be a struggle. You might have a love-hate relationship with it and wonder if they will ever be able to sleep independently. I’m here to reassure you that day will come, and you’ll feel both happy and nostalgic. Soon, your kids might even tell you they don’t recall sleeping beside you. How can they? You’re just a parent who knows nothing, right? So, as tiring as it may be now, savor these moments while they last.
For more insights on parenting, you can check out this related blog post here.
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Summary:
In this heartfelt reflection, Jamie Thompson shares her journey of co-sleeping with her children and the challenges that came with it. From nursing a newborn to managing the nightly invasions of her toddlers, she finds humor and warmth in the chaos. As her kids grow into teenagers, she reminisces about those cherished moments, encouraging parents to embrace the temporary nature of this phase.
Keyphrase: Co-sleeping with kids
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