Sleep Training - why the stigma?

I think many parents loath the thought of sleep training because they think it means you put your child down for the night, close the door and don't go back until 6am. Sleep training shouldn't be like that, or at least that is not what Baby Love advocates.

 

Over the years we have come across mixed emotions/opinions regarding sleep training. 

 

• Some parents shudder at the thought of sleep training

• Some are nervous but also excited because now at least they have a plan and for them there is light at the end of the tunnel

• Others are quick to judge and criticise other parents, branding sleep training 'a form of child abuse' and stating that 'a loving parent would never consider this practice'. 

 

Happy Parenting stands firm in it's belief that it is different strokes for different folks and whether you agree with another families decision to sleep train or not is immaterial.  Happy Parenting believes families need to do what is best for them. 

 

There are various sleep training approaches but understand they all involve some degree of crying, and that's because your child will object to the new way of doing things.  Remember that sleep training is just a boundary. 

• When you don't rock a baby to sleep the only way they'll be able to communicate their objection is through crying.

• When you don't give a toddler what they want they'll communicate their objection by throwing a temper tantrum

• When you confiscate your teenagers cell phone (for the umpteenth time), they'll object by arguing, slamming a door.

​

In order for parents to be 100% confident when it comes to sleep training they need to know they have met their child's needs, and that is why Happy Parenting takes a holistic approach.  We believe sleep training can't be done in isolation and that it needs to be implemented in conjunction with an age appropriate day routine, and the Baby Love Puzzle is the cornerstone of our consultations.

​