cover of episode Sleep Struggles are Separation Struggles

Sleep Struggles are Separation Struggles

2024/10/29
logo of podcast Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Key Insights

Why do parents and kids have different needs at night?

Kids want more connection, snuggles, and time with their parents, while parents often want alone time to recharge and do things they haven't had time for.

Why do sleep struggles often feel like power struggles?

Because parents and kids want opposite things at night, leading to frustration and reactive behavior from both sides.

Why do sleep struggles often get worse after trips or long weekends?

Sleep struggles are separation struggles, and changes in routine or location can make it harder for kids to separate from their parents at night.

Why did Dr. Becky's perspective on her daughter's sleep struggles change?

She realized that her daughter's sleep issues were actually separation struggles, not intentional misbehavior. This shifted her approach from frustration to empathy and effective support.

Why is understanding the root cause of sleep struggles important?

Understanding that sleep struggles are separation struggles provides clarity and a direction for addressing the issue, leading to better sleep and overall well-being for both parent and child.

Why is self-care important for parents during difficult sleep stages?

Self-care helps parents maintain their energy and patience, which is crucial for effectively supporting their child through sleep challenges.

Why does Dr. Becky emphasize holding hope for parents struggling with sleep issues?

Holding hope helps parents stay motivated and believe that they can overcome sleep challenges, which is essential for making lasting changes.

Chapters

Dr. Becky discusses the core of sleep struggles: parents and children want different things at night. Children crave connection, while parents desire alone time, leading to power struggles. Recognizing this disconnect allows parents to approach sleep issues with compassion and become sturdier leaders.
  • Sleep struggles stem from the conflicting needs of parents and children at night.
  • Children seek connection, while parents often want less interaction.
  • Recognizing this difference fosters compassion and better leadership in parents.

Shownotes Transcript

Sleep. Precious sleep. It's the rare commodity that all parents and kids need more of. And it's a cruel irony that at night, parents and kids have completely opposite needs. Kids want more connection. And parents just want some time to themselves. On today's episode, Dr. Becky tackles sleep struggles and gets to the root cause of what causes them. She also offers hope to tired parents everywhere. Get the Good Inside App by Dr. Becky: https://bit.ly/3ZehrCg)Learn more about the Good Inside sleep program and App: https://bit.ly/4gLegby)Follow Dr. Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinsideSign up for our weekly email, Good Insider: https://www.goodinside.com/newsletterOrder Dr. Becky's book, Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, at goodinside.com/book or wherever you order your books.For a full transcript of the episode, go to goodinside.com/podcastTo listen to Dr. Becky's TED Talk on repair visit https://www.ted.com/talks/becky_kennedy_the_single_most_important_parenting_strategy)Today’s episode is brought to you by Airbnb: Let's be honest, parenting is expensive, especially around the holidays. If you’re traveling over the holidays and have an empty home consider making a little extra income by becoming a host on Airbnb. Every little bit helps, especially during the holiday season! Being an Airbnb host means that you are providing another family with an amazing experience and it's a great way to earn some extra money for all the different things you wanna do. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb dot com slash host.