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Parenting
Letting It All Out: Who’s Really Struggling?
by Lisa Thompson
Updated: Aug. 21, 2015
Originally Published: July 30, 2012
The “Cry It Out” method, often abbreviated as CIO, is hardly the way anyone wants to spend their weekend nights. Personally, I thought I was done with this sleep-depriving technique after getting through it with my twins a few years back. However, the arrival of my surprise baby in 2011 meant I’d have to revisit this challenging experience.
Last night was a familiar nightmare, a refresher course in CIO that reminded me just how exhausting it can be. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, let me take you through my night of fun.
The clock read 2:39 a.m. when I noted the official start time—a detail that would become crucial later. I flopped back onto my pillow, whispering sweet nothings to myself like, “If I just cover my head, I might drift off again.” Ignoring the fact that the wailing was piercing through my denial, I tried to block it out.
After ten minutes of relentless crying, I finally got up to use the bathroom. Might as well take care of that since sleep was clearly off the table. Maybe the little one would settle down while I was gone. But, of course, I stumbled and fell onto the toilet seat my husband had left up—great. Now I was dealing with a soggy backside.
Returning to bed, I took a deep breath and reassured myself that this couldn’t last forever; surely, she’d tire herself out soon. I smiled at my own optimism.
By 2:59 a.m., I found myself creeping down the hall to check on my other children, hoping they were still asleep. Standing outside the CIO kid’s room, I wrestled with the idea of going in. I needed to determine if there was a legitimate reason for her hysterics—like a blowout diaper or worse. But the whining for water and the desperate pleas for lost toys were not valid enough to warrant my intervention. I decided against entering; surely, she’d settle down soon.
While tossing and turning, I thought I might have heartburn. So, I ventured downstairs for some Tums, grabbing my phone to catch up on Words With Friends because sleep was obviously not in my future. Somehow, I managed to score significant points despite my exhaustion and frustration.
My husband was snoring loudly, and a wave of resentment washed over me as I kicked him in the shins—perhaps a little harder than necessary. Our mini poodle was also making a racket, whimpering in his slumber while I envied his carefree life.
I kept checking the clock, wondering just how long this could drag on. Surely she must be tired? I sure was!
When the clock struck 3:39 a.m., marking a full hour of CIO, I threw off the covers and stormed into her room. “WHAT IS GOING ON?” I hissed as I flung open the door.
Tear-stained cheeks and a snotty nose greeted me as she held up her beloved stuffed Olivia the pig—naked. “Olivia? Dress? Help, Mommy?” she whimpered between sniffles.
Seriously? This was the reason for an hour of chaos? Because she couldn’t get her doll dressed? I snatched the pig and its ridiculous little dress from her hands. I stood there, debating whether to get Olivia dressed to potentially regain my precious sleep. If I didn’t act, I risked another hour of the same nonsense.
No contest.
In just 13 seconds, Olivia was back in her outfit, and my daughter nestled back into the corner of her crib, sighing in contentment.
I trudged back to my room, hoping that this time would be the last I’d have to get up until morning. Oh wait, it was morning. It took me at least another half hour to unwind enough from the chaos to finally fall asleep again.
For anyone navigating this challenging journey, you might find helpful insights in our related blog post on home insemination and pregnancy resources, such as this excellent resource for pregnancy. And if you’re interested in the best tools for your journey, check out this authoritative source for an at-home insemination kit.
Summary:
The “Cry It Out” method can be a challenging experience for parents, as illustrated by a personal late-night saga. The struggles of sleepless nights and the humorous yet frustrating situations that arise can leave parents feeling drained. However, some helpful resources and tools exist for navigating both parenting and home insemination journeys.