Becoming a parent is a definitely a transformative experience that brings boundless joy, love, as well as sleepless nights. As I embarked on the journey of parenthood, I found myself facing the challenge of ensuring that my little ones got the sleep they needed for healthy development and ensuring my sanity to be the best parent that I could be for them. This quest led me to the fascinating world of infant and child sleep coaching, ultimately inspiring my decision to become a sleep coach myself so that I could help others avoid the struggles that I encountered and be able to truly enjoy their children from the beginning. In this post, I will share the personal and professional reasons behind choosing this unique and rewarding path as well as explain how I veered off of it and have now come back full circle.
Parenthood is an incredible adventure, filled with unforgettable moments and challenges that shape our lives. One challenge that many parents can relate to is the struggle to establish healthy sleep habits for their infants and children. Sleepless nights and the constant quest for effective sleep solutions became a central part of my parenting journey.
My personal experience navigating the complexities of infant and child sleep compelled me to delve deeper into understanding the science and psychology behind it. It just so happened that I was completing my doctoral degree in psychology during the time that my first two children were born allowing me to formally research journal articles on the topic of baby sleep through the library at the university I was attending. (Yes, that was how determined I was.) As I implemented various sleep training techniques and witnessed the positive impact on my children’s well-being, I became passionate about helping other parents and children on their sleep journey as well.
The challenges of sleep deprivation go beyond physical exhaustion; they impact physical and mental well-being as well. Recognizing the toll it took on my own life, I developed a deep sense of empathy for parents grappling with sleep-related struggles. This empathy fueled my desire to provide support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.
Becoming a sleep coach allowed me to channel my compassion into a profession where I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of families. Guiding parents through the intricacies of sleep training, offering emotional support, and being a source of encouragement became the driving force behind my decision to pursue this fulfilling career. That and when I was in first grade I declared that I wanted to be a “baby doctor.” I just didn’t realize then what that really meant for me.
Understanding how infants and children sleep meant blending scientific insights and real-life solutions for parents. To effectively support families, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest findings in sleep science while also possessing the hands-on experience of working with diverse families.
As I immersed myself in the study of sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and child development, I realized the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical solutions. Becoming a sleep coach allowed me to combine my passion for understanding the science of sleep and the love of psychology with the practical skills needed to guide families towards healthier sleep habits.
Sleep is a fundamental aspect of a child’s overall health and well-being, and yet, many parents struggle to navigate the vast amount of information available on the topic. My decision to become a sleep coach stemmed from a desire to educate and empower parents with evidence-based knowledge and effective strategies.
Almost a decade ago, I veered away from my role as The Baby Sleep Coach and re-immersed myself in my pre-parenting career as a child psychologist. While I continued to provide support to families on their sleep coaching journey on the side, it became clear that my primary focus had shifted. Witnessing the pervasive effects of sleep deprivation on children across various age groups during this journey reignited my commitment to my initial calling.
The experiences prompted me to return to my roots, driven by the desire to assist families when their children were still in their formative years and prevent the distressing situations I was now encountering. The profound impact of sleep on children became unmistakable as I evaluated and treated them, prompting me to engage parents in discussions about sleep routines and emphasize the crucial role of quality sleep in a child’s well-being.
Once again, through one-on-one consultations, coaching programs, workshops, and educational resources, I aim to equip parents with the tools they need to foster healthy sleep habits in their children. By empowering parents with the confidence to navigate sleep challenges, I believe I can contribute to creating a positive impact on family dynamics and the overall health of both parents and their children.
Becoming an infant and child sleep coach is not just a profession for me; it’s a calling born out of personal experience, empathy, a love for learning, and a desire to empower and support parents. As I continue on this fulfilling journey, I am excited about the positive impact I make on the lives of families, guiding them towards the gift of restful and rejuvenating sleep for both parents and their precious little ones; restoring family harmony for all.