the supernanny trick

A week ago, I watched oprah show and it featured jo frost, the supernanny. There was a story about a family who was having difficulty making their children go to bed at night. "Oooh...this is something I can relate to," I thought. The trick is to try to (once again) detach from the child. My wonderful son, Akram has been sleeping with me since he was born. I need him to sleep in his own room because he's getting bigger now and going to start 'real school' soon.

So yes, I have and must follow the trick. Oh my God the first night was horrible! We usually cuddle until he falls asleep, but no more cuddle from now on, baby! I tucked him in, read him his favorite bed time story (which I made up myself...it's about a boy who's about to get bitten by a shark and then his heroic father rescues him...hehehe). And then, I sat on a chair by the bed, avoiding eye contact (this is an essential part). So he cried and cried and cried...all night long...begging me to sleep with him, to cuddle him. Gosh...I almost lost it. After about 2 or 3 hours of crying and tantrums...he finally gave up and slept. Well, Akram is a fighter alright! I ended up crying myself because I was sad, angry, and tired at the same time. It went on for three days...but after that, he understands this routine. Akram finally realizes that his mom is not going to cuddle him all the way to dreamland...but he knows that I'm there, I'm sitting there beside him, looking out for him. That's the most important thing for him.

I'm glad I followed this trick. I wasn't nice at first, but every tears paid off. Right now, Akram is able to sleep without cuddling, just a simple hug, kiss and story telling...and he's off to some good night sleep. Thank you Supernanny!!!