Sleep training, square one

  We messed up Sam's sleep deal. It was only sort of working anyway. So forgive the lack of posting, I've been working hard to meet a deadline and we're not sleeping. Again.

I've been trying to force the sleep training thing again because I thought it was something I was supposed to do. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how stupid it was to let other people determine what happens at my house. I'm all for letting babies "cry it out" but we're talking about several hours of scream-crying. Like from 1 a.m. to 4:45 a.m. It lets up when you pick him up or he's finally fatigued. But the kid's got some stamina.

So tonight I told Matt I think we should re-visit the family bed idea. He was hesitant because he's heard of parents struggling to kick their five-year-olds out of bed. But, I argued, at that age you can use bribes and threats.

Matt asked why I'd changed my mind. It's just that when we bring Sam into our room he sleeps peacefully for hours in a row. Also, I figure with the new plan we have a shot at success as opposed to the abysmal failure of the aforementioned sleep training. I just don't think Dr. Schaefer factored in my little Libra born on the Day of Defiance.

Sweet Dreams.

Comments

[The Writer Mama]

I have a vote. How about this:

The mom needs sleep.

The kid needs sleep.

The dad needs sleep.

The family needs sleep.

Do whatever works.

Trust yourself.

And get some sleep!

(In the future, you can always adjust your trajectory. Right now, how does some sleep sound?)

[Megan]

I don't know how many different things I had tried to get Cole to sleep so I could sleep myself instead of cry on the front porch. Parenting is such a guessing game with just trying things out. Whatever works to get some sleep. Isn't that the worst? I get so nutty when I don't sleep enough. Sam is getting SO big! He's adorable!