My son has been snoozing on the floor since January. Fast forward to December, and the saga continues.
You might wonder why he’s chosen this unconventional sleeping arrangement. I wish I could confidently explain that there’s a psychological or medical reason behind it, but the truth is, it all began around the time of potty training.
(Doesn’t everything seem to start with potty training?)
Amid the chaos of caring for a newborn and cleaning up accidents, my then 2-and-a-half-year-old decided that his bed was no longer appealing. Strange, right? But parents often say that potty training can lead to all sorts of unexpected behaviors:
- Your child might experience constipation.
- They could become a little monster.
- Emotional and intellectual setbacks are common.
- Sleep disturbances may arise.
- Their appetite might change, for better or worse.
So, when my son opted for the floor instead of his bed, it didn’t seem all that unusual given the whirlwind of changes in his life—welcome a new sibling, learn to use the toilet. Life can be tough for a little one.
We thought it was a phase, a temporary quirk that would resolve itself in a few weeks, but those weeks turned into months—eleven and a half to be exact.
Initially, I wasn’t so relaxed about it. We tried everything to coax him back to his bed: rewards, strategic bed placement right by the door, and even keeping the twinkling lights on for ambiance. We even threatened to take away his TV privileges if he didn’t stay in bed. The result? He went two weeks without watching a single minute of TV, which was honestly more of a punishment for me.
Ultimately, nothing worked. Each night, we tucked him in only for him to climb right back out and curl up on the floor, snuggled up next to the door on his favorite blue blanket, which he had meticulously laid out.
After about six months, we gave up on trying to get him into bed altogether. Instead, we started tucking him in on the floor, kissing his cheek before we closed the door inches from his face. (My pre-parent self would have been horrified.)
But that’s parenting for you. Some battles are worth fighting, and others? Well, sometimes you just lie down beside your child on the floor, tucking their beloved toy under their arm.
When you ask my son why he chooses the floor, he simply shrugs and says, “I like it.”
Fair enough.
My husband and I have come to accept this peculiar sleeping arrangement. We’ve reached a point of understanding: this is not a battle worth engaging in.
Sure, we could pick him up and return him to bed countless times each night until he finally concedes. We could strip him of all his privileges until he complies with our idea of the ideal sleeping situation. (And, believe me, we seriously thought about this option for a solid five minutes.) But in the end, we’ve decided to let it slide.
Parenting is a balancing act of discernment. Am I making the best choices? Am I being lazy? Am I overreacting? These are questions I ponder regularly, as many of us do. But a huge part of discernment revolves around this crucial question: Is this a battle worth fighting?
Here’s what I know: my son has a safe place to sleep, warm pajamas, and a cozy carpet beneath him. He goes to bed each night with a full tummy and relatively clean teeth. He is fortunate compared to many children around the globe.
So if he prefers sleeping on the floor and isn’t harming anyone in the process, why should I care? If he chooses granola bars and raspberries for dinner over the delicious pasta I prepared, is it really the end of the world? He’s getting the nutrition he needs, as confirmed repeatedly by our pediatrician.
At the end of the day, my son is three years old. He sleeps on the floor and often has granola bars for dinner. Do I wish he would sleep in his bed and eat a more balanced diet? Absolutely! Have I tried various strategies to change his behavior? Yes, I have. Am I willing to engage in a daily battle over these issues? Not really.
So, what battles are worth fighting?
In our home, we prioritize a few key values: kindness and respect. We strive to be kind to ourselves and others, respect people and our belongings, and cherish our planet. We share, tell the truth, help each other, and practice gratitude. When my son demonstrates unkindness, my husband and I stand firm, ready to address it. Those are the battles that matter, and we’ll fight for them every time.
For those of us raising young children, we face daily opportunities to choose our battles. Maybe your child sleeps on the floor, only eats crackers, or insists on wearing a princess dress for a week straight. It’s okay.
My son is three, and he’s a bit quirky, but my ultimate goal is to help him grow into a kind person. That’s really all I want for your child, too. They’re welcome to come over dressed in costume with a bag of Goldfish crackers anytime. I understand and embrace all their unique traits.
I have faith that my son will eventually sleep in his bed before heading off to college. Until then, we’re getting him a sleeping bag for Christmas.
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Summary:
Navigating the unconventional sleeping habits of a child can be a challenging part of parenting. The author shares their experience with their son, who has chosen to sleep on the floor instead of his bed since potty training began. After numerous failed attempts to coax him back into bed, the parents ultimately decide that this is not a battle worth fighting. They reflect on the importance of discernment in parenting, focusing on what truly matters: kindness and respect. Ultimately, they embrace their child’s quirks while prioritizing his well-being.