Good mothers and fathers come in many styles. Each one of ushas different strengths, interests, and values that make us great parent. Don’tlet yourself become discouraged or disappointed when others ‘give you advice’that doesn’t seem to mesh with who you are. Maybe you’re not a roll around onthe floor kind of parent with your child. Maybe you’ve decided to hang back and let your little one explore. That’sgreat! As long as it works for you and your child, nobody should be able toconvince you that your method is incorrect or wrong. Once you recognize andembrace your own personal parenting style, you can stop trying to live up toeveryone else’s expectations and get on with the business of enjoying being aparent.

It’s important to keep in mind too, that these well-meaningadvice givers don’t know your child as well as you.  They aren’t there with your child night andday, watching him grow, learn, explore, play, eat, and sleep.  Only you know what’s best for your child, andyou know what works best in your household and for your lifestyle.  As with anything, figuring things out alongthe way will involve trial and error. 

So when you receive yet another unsolicited piece of parenting adviceregarding your child’s napping or nighttime sleeping habits, keep both your andyour child’s personal style in mind. You’ve done the legwork, you’ve experimented, and you’ve learnedtogether what works and what doesn’t work. The cues should come from your instincts regarding your child and fromyour child directly.  There’s no suchthing as a hard-and-fast rule for sleep habits among children other than it isneeded! As your child grows, his cues may change, but as long as you stay intune with him, his sleep habits shouldn’t have to suffer as a result. Andneither should yours.