During my first visit to the pediatrician with my newborn son, I was made to feel guilty for nursing him to sleep and allowing him to share our bed. Although I wasn’t truly getting any rest, it was the only way to help him settle down. With my husband and I running on barely any sleep for a week, having him close was a necessity. I eventually abandoned the pediatrician’s advice and let my son sleep with us intermittently until he turned one.
Shortly after, I welcomed my daughter, followed by another son a year later. Both of them followed in their brother’s footsteps, wanting to snuggle up with mom and dad. I chose to focus on what worked for our family rather than stressing about the reactions of others.
As time passed, my daughter learned how to crawl out of her crib, and soon enough, she would join us in bed every night. My youngest soon followed suit. We often wondered how long this would go on. While a family bed had its charm for the first half hour, sharing a bed with kids means they rule the roost—kicking, stealing the covers, and often returning after being sent back to their own beds. If you’ve never had a midnight showdown with a stubborn mini-me, are you even a parent? To get through the night, it often seemed easier to let them have their way and get some semblance of rest.
By the time my kids reached around five years old, they were still sneaking into our bed frequently. To make it fun, we offered to set up a cozy sleeping spot on the floor for them. I thought this might deter them, but to little ones, it felt like camping, and they loved it even more. They would quietly slip in during the night, fall asleep quickly, and everyone was content.
This arrangement continued for a couple more years. I told them they needed to tidy their makeshift bed each morning if they desired to sleep with us, and they passed that challenge with ease.
It wasn’t until my daughter turned twelve and my son eleven that their nighttime visits finally ceased. Honestly, I miss those moments. Now that they are teenagers, even the sound of my breathing seems to annoy them.
I understand that co-sleeping can be tough. You may have a love-hate relationship with it, questioning if they will ever learn to sleep independently. I assure you that day will come, bringing both happiness and a twinge of sadness. Before you know it, your kids will say they don’t remember sharing a bed with you, claiming you’re just too annoying and out of touch. So, while it feels exhausting now, I encourage you to savor these moments while they last.
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Summary:
This article discusses the experience of co-sleeping with children, detailing the challenges and joys it brings. The author reflects on her journey through nursing, sleep struggles, and the eventual transition away from shared sleep, emphasizing the fleeting nature of these moments as children grow.