[fn1]

> Having a 6 year old refuse to sleep without a parent in bed because of "attachment parenting" tends to make one wonder if there's not some merit to having gone through some pain in the early stages.

The work here is not to let the child cry in it's early days, but to put it in it's bed, come when it cries, calm it down, go back to bed, come again when it cries etc. Repeat until child sleeps.

[abyssin]

For the French speakers, the book by Brigitte Langevin Le Sommeil du nourrisson is highly recommended. It’s one of the best things that happened to mine and several friend’s couples at around the six months mark.

It’s a simple technique that helps the parents go through the one or two difficult nights where the child learns how to manage to sleep alone. It uses a stopwatch. First leave the child to cry for 15 seconds before going to comfort them. Always stay by the bed, giving only your presence. If the crying continues when you lay the baby in bed, add 15 seconds so wait for 30 seconds, etc. until reaching a plateau of five minutes. I don’t know anyone who reached the plateau, nor had to do it for more than three days.

My daughter falls asleep almost immediately and is much happier now that she’s properly rested. And as parents we’re happier too!

[theNJR]

For the English speakers, there is Bringing up Bebe.

My wife and I are expecting our first in November and are currently reading - and loving - this book. It’s a great reframe.

[papandada]

I know the theory for sure. In my experience kids could outcry their parents' patience, unfortunately.