Has anyone read this?

allie_smalls07

Sorry in advance for extra long post...A friend just posted this note on facebook and it really got under my skin.  She is constantly posting these things and I typically ignore but today I had to respond:

Dear Sleep Trainer Expert,

by The Analytical Armadillo on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 8:34am

COPIED FROM BLOG COMMENTS - BY EMMA:

 

Dear Sleep Trainer Expert,

My Grandfather died a month ago and my Grandmother was still not sleeping very well until last week and she was crying a lot in the night. It's really been disturbing my sleep. She had a stroke about 2 years ago and can't walk or talk so I'm her primary carer. It's hard work but I love her, and I know it will pass but I really needed more sleep! I was desperate!

 

I wanted to tell you how pleased I was to find your book "The Contented Little Baby Whisperer's guide to Saving my Sleep". Over the last few nights I've been sensible and strong. It's been tough, but we did it!

 

I've put Gran onto a routine where I feed her at 7pm, and that's THAT. She's learning now that if she's thirsty in the night, she'll have to wait. I bathe her with the lights low and tuck her in bed with 16 blankets, said goodnight and left her to it. Let me tell you she didn't half complain on that first night! She cried and cried but I wasn't going to let her manipulate me. Just because she's slept next to Grandpa for the last 45 years! She has to learn to be independent from other people, I realise that now.

 

I found that going in every few minutes and not giving her eye contact eventually meant she got the message. She was sick at one point which was a shock. I didn't know old people could manipulate like that! Anyway, I cleaned her up and just ignored it so she won't be trying that again.

 

She seems very happy today. Well, she's quiet anyway. Not hassling me at all! Bonus.

 

I can't wait to tell all my friends about your amazing system. My friend Sally has a disabled daughter who is 10 and can't talk or walk. I'm sure she'd find this system works brilliantly for her, too.

 

Love your biggest fan,

 

xxx

My Response was:

  My daughter is in her room right now crying herself to sleep. She is exhausted and I tried rocking and nursing for awhile (both of which she shunned) because I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to do it since her older brother is cu...rrently sleeping and does not require my attention. I suppose I'm a bad mom...meh...I'm not sure the point of posting things like this? I think most moms feel enough guilt about not being able to meet every single need every second of the day and night without dramatic satires of their "negligence" being posted on facebook. (Although everyone IS entitled to their opinions obviously)Also there are many different approaches to helping children sleep and believe it or not there are some children (mine included - thank you) who sometimes only respond by being left to fuss. And at the end of typing this she is sleeping...so let's see that was about 5 minutes of fussing which will result in a nice healthy nap for her. Umm I'll take it! And I'm sure she will be happy to see me when she wakes up bright eyed and bushy tailed! Just my 2 cents.

SnoopyLuv

I think that was a really appropriate response. I'm a reformed anti-CIOer and I would never have posted something like that. It's not cruel to let your baby fuss/cry so they can sleep, it's cruel to not allow them to learn to sleep because you are afraid of letting them cry.

KJmashup

My first inclination is that this person is being highly sarcastic.

mrs.cam

I really wouldnt be "friends" with someone who posted this kind of bs. How obnoxious...and disturbing.

jnolts

Just ridiculous....I too am a reformed anti-CIOer. But seriously my DD fusses for less than 2-3 minutes after I rock her and put her down at night and for naps. AND she's returned to STTN (9+ hours) since I've started letting her fuss a bit. She still the "happiest baby in town" as my mom calls her. No harm, no foul and to each his/her own.

SnoopyLuv

KJmashup:

My first inclination is that this person is being highly sarcastic.

Unfortunately this is normal cruelty rhetoric for nutso APers.

allie_smalls07

I'm also a reformed anti-CIOer.  Glad you all agree that her satire was a bit over the top!

allie_smalls07

SnoopyLuv:

I think that was a really appropriate response. I'm a reformed anti-CIOer and I would never have posted something like that. It's not cruel to let your baby fuss/cry so they can sleep, it's cruel to not allow them to learn to sleep because you are afraid of letting them cry.

southernsweetieal

Does she not have a child, cause it doesnt sound like she has ever been in the position to see our side.

Genevieve_kris

Even though I don't think CIO is always appropriate, I would unfriend this B in a heartbeat.  That description of the grandmother makes the poster sound like a psycho.

ETA: clarity

Libby1978

southernsweetieal:

Does she not have a child, cause it doesnt sound like she has ever been in the position to see our side.

This is exactly what I was thinking!

Libby1978

southernsweetieal:

Does she not have a child, cause it doesnt sound like she has ever been in the position to see our side.

This is exactly what I was thinking!