Why You Should Put Your Child to Bed Very Early

(maternityinstitute.com)

Three words:  Reading, Homework, and Settling down.  Children do not get enough hours of sleep.  Even a teenage child needs as much sleep as a toddler.  We've always put our elementary age children to bed at 7pm and we start moving our teens toward bed at 8pm with lights out an hour or so later.  This is because it takes them a while to settle down.   They will putter around, and ask for drinks, and remember they forgot their homework every night.  When they are put to bed early, they will have a chance to settle down, read a little (very important), finish up homework in their beds and then fall asleep much earlier than if they started later.  It really works!  And it makes for happier children in the morning.

Crib Sleeping VS. Co-Sleeping

(parents.com)

I have to admit, I've always been a proponent of crib sleeping as I think it helps the child to be happier when they can soothe themselves to sleep. But, I also have to admit, in the quest for rest, I have let my babies sleep with me until they were ready to cry it out.  So I guess I am half and half on the issue.  I did use a side sleep baby holder for safety, as I didn't want the baby to roll, but I've noticed they've come out with NEW products, to help with baby safety, like this "By your side" sleeper.

Still, I think the sooner the baby can sleep on their own the better, as the older they get, the harder it is to wean them from this practice.  It's worth a little crying now, to avoid a HUGE battle later.  And my babies were always happier when they could do it themselves.

However, I know there are babies out there with stubborn temperaments, so each family must decide what's best for them.

Read this article from Parents Magazine and tell us what side you are on and why.

My Favorite Book to help children Sleep

Today I thought I'd share my favorite book on solving child sleep problems.  It really works.  It worked very well with all five of my kids.  I tried other things, but this was the only system that actually helped.  It was recommended by my doctor with my first child.  The book is called, Solve your Child's Sleep Problems, by Dr. Ferber.  Try it!  It really works.

It does recommend crying it out, which is hard on the mom at first, but trust me, it is the only way, and your child is so much happier when he learns to soothe himself instead of relying on you to soothe him to sleep.  I promise it will help.  And your child and you will feel much better!  You can do it!  Please leave a comment if you need support or have questions!  Try it first during naps, and that will be a lot easier, because once your child can do it at naptime, then the skill can be transferred to bedtime.  That worked well for me.  Some kids were easier than others...but the younger you start the easier it is.  I know from experience.  Good luck!!  And I promise this stage won't last forever!