I never realized how controversial sleep training was until I became a mom. Apparently, it’s one of those topics that can turn a casual conversation into a heated debate. And listen, I get it. We all want what’s best for our babies. But also? We need to sleep. Not just that half-awake, survival-mode kind of sleep—we need real, solid rest so we can actually enjoy our kids, not just endure them.
If we haven’t met yet, hi! I’m the mom who got labeled “mean mom” by a 4-year-old because I made my kids sit down to eat dinner. So yeah, I believe in structure, and I also believe in doing what actually works. And sleep training? It worked. It wasn’t fun, but it was one of my biggest parenting wins.
I have three kids, and all three were sleep trained. And guess what? They still love me. They don’t have trust issues. They don’t glare at me across the dinner table, wondering why I ever let them cry for ten minutes before falling asleep. They are happy, thriving, and well-rested human beings.
Each of them had their own sleep quirks. But the one thing they all had in common? They needed to learn how to sleep. And so did I—because without sleep, I turn into an entirely different person: anxious, irritable, and straight-up not okay. Not exactly the mom I want to be.
I know sleep training gets a bad rap, and people have very strong opinions about it. But here’s the truth: sleep training isn’t about being harsh, it’s about teaching your child a skill they will use for life. And honestly? It’s about survival—yours and theirs.
Yes, there were tears. Yes, there were moments I questioned myself. But now, years later, I look at my kids and know I did the right thing. They learned to sleep. I learned to sleep. And our home is better because of it.
So, if you’re in the middle of it, or dreading starting, just know—this isn’t forever. It feels hard in the moment, but I promise, your child will be okay. More than okay. They’ll be well-rested, secure, and yes, they will still love you.
In Part 2, we’ll talk about the actual sleep training methods—what worked for my kids and what didn’t. But for now, just remember: sleep is not the enemy. It’s a gift, for both of you.
