We successfully got out daughter to go to sleep on her own, almost every night, at about the same time. I can't tell you wart magic trick we used, because it kind of started with a fluke. But nothing, absolutely nothing in my life has given me more pride.
A friend recently asked how we did it, and to be honest I hesitate to giveis details. When I was struggling to get my daughter to sleep through the night (shoot, to sleep period), advice made me more frustrated because none of it seemed to work. Why, you ask? Because so-and-so's kid was not my kid. Every child is different, and while it can make you feel better to know others have struggled with the same thing, their solution might not work. Because your child is unique.
So here is my advice: try different things. If one thing works, try it again the next night. Attempt to establish a routine. This really helped Helen and now she can go to sleep on her own. We put her in bed before she is asleep and she is able to fall asleep on her own.
I might sound calm and cool now, but I wasn't for a long time. Don't be afraid of your feelings and don't be afraid of failing. Parenting is hard. Just remind yourself that many, many people do it every day. And that eventually . . . she will sleep.
