We are one month into 2021. Like many of you, I have high hopes that 2021 will be so much better than 2020. What I have been reminded of over the past year was to keep perspective on what I have control of and what I don’t. Life during this pandemic can feel very overwhelming when we lose sight of this concept.

It reminds me of the feelings I had when my son was born, almost 21 years ago. I believed then and for many years that I had so much more control over my son than I really did. It took me many, many years to really understand this concept of control. I am hoping my hindsight may be helpful for you!

There is very little we have control over another human being. Even when they are infants. We still can’t make them eat, sleep, poop or pee on our command! Instead, we need to look at what we can influence and that includes how we respond to their cries, how we connect with them, and the environment of love and support we establish.

Sleep is one of the biggest areas I see parents getting the lines very blurred in what they can control and what they can influence. It is not your job to put your child to sleep. Rather it is your responsibility to create an environment that encourages them to sleep!

Understanding the balance of control is such an important element of children’s sleep that I have created a new free download called, ‘A Tried Parent’s Checklist to Peaceful Sleep’. In it you will find a checklist to examine the areas you do have control of with regards to your child’s sleep.

I hope you find it helpful!

As always – I am here to help you work through your parenting challenges. Reach out for a free 20-minute consultation!