Compassionate sleep consultant

A beautiful counsellor who I highly recommend 🌸
I have been lucky enough to have her support through my parenthood journey.

I’m Lisa, registered counsellor and proud owner of Echo Counselling.

Click the link below to take you to my brand new website https://echocounselling.com.au

What to do when your child comes into your bed in the night?

This can be a tricky one. Part of you could think "they are only young for such a short period of time." While the other part of you is sleep deprived and would just love to have a nights sleep that you are not getting kicked or smothered. Anyone relate? 😂

Sometimes it is deciding what is the best time for you to be there for your child. Is it during the night when they wake or is it being more present during the day because you are not sleep deprived or a little bit touched out.

This is not to say we all feel this way but I know from previous clients this can be how they are feeling!

Each age and settling method you use to put your child to sleep will depend on how you decide to stop the night time bed visits. But, slowly and gently is my main suggestion to make sure your child still feels safe to come to you when they need 🌸

We often second guess if giving into our children's wants and needs will be creating a 'bad habit'.

Don't get me wrong, if you are spending most of your day feeling sleep deprived, rocking, feeding, or patting your child back to sleep for them to only wake until you stop then some gentle changes will probably be what is best for you and your child/ren.

But there are sometimes that our children just need us to take things a little slower and soften around them.

Kiara had two big days and she just needed this moment. To have my complete attention and cuddles.

Yes our children need routine and structure but they also need connection. ✨️🌸

18 month sleep regression ✨️

The 18 month sleep regression generally happens around 18 months of age. It is due to your toddler going through a developmental leap and experiencing rapid growth. Your child may be:
○Learning independence and resistance.
○Experiencing separation anxiety.
○Experiencing a change in their daytime routine.
○going through a growth spurt.

Ways that you can help guide your child through this sleep regression:
Your child at 18 months of age is likely Experiencing a big developmental shift. I suggest being consistent with your child's settling methods at bedtime, they need consistency and to be in control.
Playing pick-a-boo can help with your child's separation anxiety, understanding object permanency. Giving your child extra 'quality' time prior to bed can be really helpful, I.e. rough and tumble play, reading stories, nursery rhymes, etc.

Having a consisten routine is very helpful at this age ✨️