Updated: Jan. 19, 2018
Originally Published: Sep. 8, 2015
It’s amusing to think that my children, now 15 and 12, have returned to our bedroom for sleep. It feels like just yesterday when my partner and I were reading parenting books aloud during those early days, chuckling about the advice in the Searses’ Attachment Parenting Book. We were exhausted but also entertained.
In one section on sleep, the Searses assured parents that children typically stop co-sleeping by their sixth birthday. We found this hilarious. “What if Jake is still in our bed at six?” we joked, thinking about how distant that milestone felt. Time seemed to warp in a way that made it hard to grasp how quickly it would pass. The Searses, with their eight children camped out in their master bedroom, seemed so peculiar to us.
I absolutely cherished co-sleeping, not because it was the “right” choice, but simply because it brought me joy. There were the sweet moments of late-night cuddling, the glow of a moonlit face, and the comforting presence of little bodies nestled beside me. Over time, we adapted our space—cribs turned into makeshift beds, and before long, it felt like we had a cozy nest of clean pajamas, gentle scents, and endless fatigue.
As our nightly routine unfolded, I found myself caught in a delightful yet exhausting cycle of storytelling, song, and tender touch that often left me blissfully tired. I remember reading parenting books that filled me with dread, convinced my kids would never learn to sleep on their own. When I witnessed my brother’s baby easily fall asleep in his crib without a fuss, I felt a twinge of envy. How could that be possible?
I mention this because, as I scroll through social media, I see new parents experiencing the same struggles—navigating sleep choices, seeking reassurance, and yearning for a sense of normalcy. Even my two famously difficult sleepers have transformed into independent slumberers, capable of calming themselves.
Yet, here they are again, back in our room, and it has been the most wonderful summer of my life. We have become our own version of the Searses. Although they joke that they’re only here for the air conditioning, they stay even on cooler nights. Our bedroom has transformed into a cozy haven, filled with blankets, pillows, and an overall sense of fun. It’s like a perpetual sleepover, with laughter and late-night shows like Mystery Science Theater 3000 filling the air.
As I drift off to sleep, I hear my partner and son laughing at a show on their headphones, while my daughter softly snores nearby. I realize we could have chosen a different path, one dictated by others’ expectations. Instead, we embraced what made us happy. Soon enough, as fall approaches, the cozy chaos will settle down, and we’ll return to our rooms, just the two of us in our big bed. But I will cherish these moments—the moonlit faces and the gentle rhythm of their breathing—because I feel immensely fortunate.
This heartwarming experience reminds me of the beauty of family life and the joy of shared moments. If you’re curious about home insemination strategies, you can explore more about it at Home Insemination Kit. For valuable insights into artificial insemination, check out BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit. Also, consider listening to the informative podcast IVF and Fertility Preservation for additional support.
In summary, co-sleeping, while unconventional, brought endless joy and connection to our family life, transforming our home into a cherished sanctuary.