It’s amusing to think that my children have returned to our bedroom after all these years—15 and 12 to be exact. I remember when our eldest was born; my partner and I would lounge around, reading parenting books out loud, chuckling at the advice. We were exhausted but still managed some laughs.
One particular section about sleep had the authors reassuring readers that kids usually don’t continue co-sleeping past age six. We burst into laughter, imagining our son, Max, still nestled between us at that age. Time felt so surreal back then; it was hard to believe he would grow up. Plus, those authors were a bit strange, with a vivid illustration of their eight kids sprawled across their master bedroom on various beds. We found it all quite amusing.
Despite the quirks, I genuinely enjoyed co-sleeping! It wasn’t because I thought it was the only right way, but simply because it brought me joy. Sure, there were moments of milky groping and moonlit baby faces smiling at me, but there were also countless nights of pure exhaustion. I felt like I was in a daze as I balanced bedtime rituals that seemed to go on forever, filled with book readings and gentle pats on the head, all while trying to stay awake.
Sometimes, I’d read parenting books with a headlamp, feeling a sense of doom. I worried that my kids would never learn to sleep alone, and I’d be stuck beneath them forever. I remember watching my sister’s baby once, who was simply laid in his crib and fell asleep without fuss. I felt a twinge of envy. How could that be possible?
I mention this now because I see on social media that new parents are still navigating the challenges of sleepless nights and the choices they make. It’s comforting to know that even my two notoriously bad sleepers have now become excellent, independent snoozers. Yes, those naysayers from years past have turned into champions of self-soothing.
Yet, here they are again, back in our room for summer, and honestly, it’s been the best time ever. Some might say they’re just here for the free air-conditioning, but they stay even when it’s cool outside. We’ve transformed our bedroom into a cozy camp, with blankets and pillows everywhere, and our cat weaving through the chaos. It’s a never-ending sleepover, filled with laughter and late-night shows.
I drift off to the sounds of my partner and son chuckling at their headphones while my daughter snores softly beside me. In those moments, I realize we could’ve followed the conventional path and missed out on this joy. Soon enough, fall will come, and our little party will wrap up. We’ll return to our own space in the big bed, which isn’t so bad either. But I’ll miss those moonlit faces and the comfort of having my kids close, rising and falling with their breaths. I feel incredibly fortunate to experience this.
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Summary:
This lighthearted reflection explores the joys and challenges of co-sleeping, drawing on the author’s personal experiences and the evolution of her family’s sleeping arrangements. It highlights the beauty of these moments and the importance of embracing what works for your family, even if it means breaking away from traditional expectations.