Did I catch you with the title of this blog?

Though, I have LOT’S of things to say in regards to, “when to sleep train” this blog pertains to families who are ready to invest, but do not know when to actually begin the process due to work, their schedule, older kids or because of their child’s daycare schedule!

This can be tricky because sometime’s, especially with my working parents, their schedules are chaotic. They need to leave the home by 6am and are not getting home until 6-7pm that night.

First, let’s discuss the process of sleep training. It is when you work with a consultant and have an individualized plan, that caters to your family. Working with the Sleep Consultant you will implement strategies for 14-18 days. Usually more towards the 14 days! That means families need to be truly dedicated, but also, have the time to truly implement the process. Every bit counts.

Below you will find four different scenarios of when I encourage parents to fully begin to get past the “hardest few nights.”

Scenario 1: When parent or child is on a break; Winter, Spring, Summer

Do I have any teacher followers, parents who take off during these breaks or SAHM’s who doesn’t need to run the older kids around?

This is a great time to begin sleep training. This is opportunity to implement the strict routine that you will need to implement while having the flexibility to do so.

This allows for you to be home with your little one while they are being introduced to the techniques and you can truly be consistent for either, majority of the process or all of it.

Scenario 2: Long Weekends/ Shift -Work

The first three nights are the absolute hardest, for majority of the kids that go through the process. That doesn’t mean that it is hard on every child, but majority.

Implementing this strict routine for nights, especially, the first 3-4 nights will help the rest of the process run smoother. Nights are going to come quicker to the child. Naps are what is going to take more work and patience.

By implementing the technique while you have a solid 3-4 nights/days home will allow your little one to catch on quicker to what is expected of them.

Scenario 3: Start on A Thursday Night

To my parents who work the 8-5 job, I want you to begin on a regular Thursday night!

By beginning on Thursday night you get the hardest night over with, and then, you and your husband can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel come Saturday/Sunday.

It also, helps the parents come up with a plan to execute together. Can one parent handle crying more than the other? Can we buy our favorite snacks and put on our favorite show to binge while we execute the process.

Scenario 4: Before Or After DST

Implementing great sleeping habits leading up to DST or end of DST will help your little one transition easier into the new schedule.

Implementing healthy sleep habits through sleep training immediately after DST or the end of DST helps alleviate those sleeping concerns as well.

Whether you are a family who prepares or a family who fixes, either will work best!

Again, the actual process is a solid 14 days of strict routine. This strict routine, is not for life… but it matters while implementing the techniques.

There has been success with daycare parents, SAHM’s, parents who work from home and you name it.

My biggest suggestion is that you implement the plan, correctly, in the beginning for sure. Those first few days make the biggest difference.

Are you ready to commit and know when you’ll have the time to begin? Let’s get you scheduled on a FREE call.

Your Sleep Coach,

Brooke

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