When it comes to parenting, there’s always that one mom whose baby began sleeping through the night at just six weeks old. You try to muster up genuine happiness for her, but it feels like an uphill battle.
She shares her so-called “magical” sleep-training tips, leaving you wondering if you’re simply a hopeless parent. Determined to improve, you resolve to implement her advice and be a more effective caregiver.
As night falls, you give yourself a motivational speech. Tonight, you will embrace a tougher approach. You’re determined to achieve seven hours of uninterrupted sleep. If it takes picking your little one up and gently placing him back in his crib a thousand times, so be it.
You place him in his crib, and the crying begins. You shush and rock him, lifting him out only to return him until your back begins to ache. You even try patting his back in a counter-clockwise motion while reciting a mantra you once learned in yoga class. After what feels like an eternity of playing a lullaby on repeat, you contemplate a bathroom break but push through instead.
Holding your child, you bounce around the room like a weary rabbit, and miraculously, he starts to calm down. Perhaps you had just been too lenient with sleep routines. A flicker of hope ignites within you. Gently, you lay him in bed and quietly tiptoe out.
Reaching your own bed, a wave of relief washes over you. It’s been ages since you could lie down without being drenched by a leaky sippy cup. You drift off into a blissful sleep.
But just two hours later, rustling awakens you. You attempt to ignore it, just like the other moms suggested. The rustling quickly escalates into a full-blown cry.
Initially, you try to pretend it’s not happening. Your legs are still sore from the CrossFit-like workout it took to get him to sleep. Exhaustion weighs you down. The crying fades momentarily, and you think maybe he’s finally settling himself. You snuggle deeper into your pillow.
Then the crying erupts again, louder than ever. You surrender.
Entering his room, you find him laughing upon seeing you—he knows he has won. Feeling somewhat foolish for even trying, you realize he wants to play. Your resolve crumbles. You can’t help but question where it all went wrong. The other moms made it seem so effortless. In that moment, you resign yourself to the idea that a good night’s sleep may be a distant dream, fueling your resentment towards those other moms.
You spend another 108 minutes entertaining your child, who insists on sampling twelve different snacks, including some questionable choices from the fridge. You allow it all—after all, you’re beyond tired. You even convince yourself that ketchup makes a fine bedtime treat.
Eventually, your child yawns, and hope flickers anew. Maybe this time he’ll finally settle down. You carry him into your bed, where he claims your pillow as his own. As he curls up beside you, he surprisingly drifts off to sleep without a fuss. You glance at the clock, realizing you still have three hours before the day begins. You vow to steer clear of conversations about sleep with other moms from now on.
In your heart, you make a mental note to wake him early during his teenage years and consider researching intravenous caffeine for those mornings. As he snuggles onto your chest, his tiny hand resting on your face, you remember just how adorable he can be. And so, you fall into a crowded yet peaceful sleep.
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In summary, sleepless nights with a baby can leave you feeling defeated, especially when it seems like other parents have it all figured out. The struggle is real, yet moments of joy can shine through the exhaustion.