The “Cry It Out” (CIO) method isn’t exactly how one dreams of spending a weekend night—or any night, for that matter. Having navigated this challenging experience with my twins a few years back, I thought I had left it behind. But then came my unexpected miracle baby in 2011, and here I am again, back in the trenches.
Let me take you through last night’s events, providing a glimpse into the world of CIO for those who haven’t yet experienced it.
The clock strikes 2:39 a.m. This moment becomes pivotal later. I flop back onto my pillow, whispering sweet little lies to myself, like, “I could surely sleep if I just cover my head.” Of course, the screaming is so loud that not even a pillow can muffle it.
After a solid ten minutes of wailing, I decide to get up for a bathroom break. It’s time to relieve my bladder since sleep is clearly off the table. Maybe the noise will stop while I’m in there—NOPE! I slip on the toilet seat (thanks to my partner leaving it up), and now I’ve been coated in his questionable bathroom etiquette. Gross.
Returning to bed, I take a deep breath and try to convince myself that she can’t keep this up forever. It’s got to be exhausting for her. #winning
At around 2:59 a.m., I find myself up again, creeping down the hallway to check on the other kids. I pause outside the CIO child’s room, weighing my options. Should I go in to check for any legitimate issues? Possible valid reasons might include: a blowout diaper, vomit, or a limb stuck in the crib. Unacceptable reasons, however, are many—like whining for water, wanting another stuffed animal, or claiming they’re poopy when they are not. I decide against going in, reasoning that she’s merely expressing her thirst with the fervor of someone lost in the desert.
As I toss and turn, I realize I might have heartburn. I head downstairs for some Tums and grab my phone to catch up on a game. Even in exhaustion, I manage to score some impressive points in my game, despite the impending irritability creeping in.
My partner’s snoring is loud, and I can’t help but feel a tinge of resentment towards his peaceful slumber. I give him a nudge in the shin, perhaps a bit harder than necessary. Meanwhile, our miniature poodle is whimpering in his sleep, and I find myself envying his easy life. Why can’t I just be a dog?
The minutes drag on. How much longer can this go? I check the clock again—3:39 a.m., a full hour of CIO, which is why it’s critical to remember that starting time. I fling the covers off, storm to her room, and fling the door open, demanding to know what’s happening.
There stands my daughter, tear-streaked cheeks and snot dripping from her nose, holding her naked stuffed animal, Olivia the Pig. “Olivia? Dress? Help, Mommy?” she sniffles, her bedhead a sight to behold.
Really? You’ve been crying for an hour because you can’t get your doll dressed? I snatch Olivia and the tiny dress from her. I debate internally; if I dress her doll, I might finally get some sleep. If I don’t, it could lead to another hour (or more) of this chaos.
No contest. Within seconds, Olivia is back in her outfit, and my daughter settles into her crib, sighing in relief.
I wearily return to my bed, hoping this is the last time I’ll have to do so until morning. But alas, it is morning already, and it takes me another half-hour to unwind enough to actually fall asleep again.
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Summary:
Crying it out can feel like an endless cycle of sleeplessness and frustration for parents. One mother recounts a particularly challenging night with her toddler, reminding us that the reasons behind the cries can often be simple yet impactful. Whether it’s a doll needing a dress or a thirst that needs quenching, understanding the underlying issues can sometimes provide relief.