After working with dosens of individual families in 2022, and hosting a couple of group sessions, here is what I've seen make the greatest impact on families in the past year....
For every family I work with, we collaborate to find a specific "plan" for their unique child and the sleep challenges they may face. Because of this, I don't share one-size-fits-all advice, really. That being said, some principles and information is applicable and helpful across the board!
Knowing that it's normal...
This one is especially true for the parents of babies and younger toddlers. Understanding what is normal for their development and age, and being able to take the pressure off & stress less about sleep is life changing for so many families.
Knowing that it's normal for our children to still wake at night, to still need to be supported to sleep, to not fit into the pre-set schedule found in the expert books & that your unique baby has unique needs.
Having unrealistic expectations of our children is the easiest and most effective way to ruin your experience as a parent. It sets you up for failure and, to put it plainly, sucks.
Understanding Temperament
Babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers... it doesn't matter. When families understand their child's unique temperament traits & how that effects their behaviour and their sleep, it's like a light switch has been turned on. When we have a deeper understanding of our children's being, we are able to attend to their needs more effectively.
It might not make for better nights or easier sleep, but it does help us to build bedtime routines and daily rhythms that serve their needs. It helps us to empathise with them when we hit a rough patch with sleep and to take the pressure off.
Knowing that you're not doing anything "wrong" because your child seems "harder" than everyone else's - it's simply their temperament and it's normal - is life changing.
Boundaries are important & tears are okay
For many parents who want to raise their kids in a responsive and respectful way, discipline can be a bit confusing at first. But for the families I've worked with (especially the toddler and preschool aged children) who have come to understand the importance of boundaries and supporting emotions, their parenting journey has changed! And on top of that, their sleep challenges improved as well. From bedtime battles to nocturnal visits, knowing how to set boundaries and support emotions is vital and I love coaching parentis through this journey.
We all need some support sometimes
This is hard for so many of us. We sometimes feel as though reaching out for support means we have failed in some way. Guys, I can't tell you how much of a difference it can make to just have someone cheer you on, someone to brainstorm with or vent to, someone to give you (evidence-backed) reassurance. A mom-friend with expertise if you will, LOL.
I've had so many consults start with "I didn't know if I should do a consultation about this..." or "I know this is silly, but..." and end with "I feel so much better now!".
As we enter a new year, let me be the first to tell you: YOU GOT THIS, MAMA!
What did you find really helpful as a mom in 2022?
Whatever it is you need, I'm here to cheer you on!
Need some support?
Reach out on email or DM on instagram, or book a FREE discovery call to see if we'd be a good fit!
