What Happens After Cry-It-Out or Controlled Crying

SLEEPING ON PURPOSE

TITLE: “What Happens After Cry-It-Out or Controlled Crying”

SUBHEAD: Addressing Sleep Challenges: Restoring Security and Attachment

Hey everyone, it's Ruth here.

Today, I want to tackle a question that's been on the minds of many parents, and it's about overcoming sleep challenges, specifically when your child's sleep routine takes a sudden turn for the worse. Let's dive into it.

Recently, one of the moms in my group coaching program reached out to me with a common dilemma. She had a one-year-old baby who, up until then, was being rocked and held to sleep with a solid routine in place. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, her baby ended up crying for an hour before finally falling asleep. This experience left her child scared and resistant to being put in the cot, a situation she hadn't faced before.

So, what do you do when faced with such a challenge?

Restoring Trust and Security

The first step is to focus on healing and rebuilding the trust between you and your child. Spend quality time together, shower them with love and attention, and reassure them that they're safe and loved. It's essential to address any emotional residue from the challenging sleep experience.

Rewriting the Narrative

Next, we need to rewrite the story surrounding the cot and the sleep environment. We can do this through what I call "cot and room acclimation." Make the cot and the room a fun, safe, and positive space for your child. Engage in playful activities, such as peek-a-boo or storytelling, to create positive associations with the cot and their sleep environment.

Incremental Progress

When it comes to transitioning your child back to their routine, take small, incremental steps. Start where you left off, gradually reducing any overt assistance or intervention during the soothing process. Incrementally move up the "soothe steps" to help your child regain confidence in their ability to self-soothe.

Avoiding Abrupt Changes

It's crucial to avoid sudden, drastic changes in your child's sleep routine. Abrupt transitions, such as switching from being rocked to sleep to expecting them to self-soothe entirely, can backfire and create further distress for both you and your child. Instead, focus on gradual adjustments that respect your child's emotional needs and developmental stage.

Prioritizing Attachment and Security

Above all, prioritize the parent-child relationship and your child's emotional well-being. A secure attachment forms the foundation for healthy sleep habits and overall development. By nurturing a strong bond and creating a safe sleep environment, you empower your child to navigate sleep challenges with confidence and resilience.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, addressing sleep challenges requires patience, empathy, and a focus on restoring trust and security. By approaching the situation with intentionality and sensitivity, you can help your child overcome setbacks and establish healthy sleep patterns.

Remember, every child is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Trust your instincts, prioritize your child's emotional needs, and seek support when needed.

I hope these insights help you navigate sleep challenges with confidence and compassion. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you restful nights and peaceful sleep for you and your little one.

Get Your Child to Sleep Through the Night Quickly and Easily Without Fuss, Tears, or Frustration

(From You or Your Child!) 

Sleeping On Purpose

By: Ruth Tai