Why Parents Struggle With Sleep Training (And How to Finally Get a Good Night’s Sleep)
Lacy Hess • May 27, 2025
Why Sleep Training Feels Impossible (And What Helps)
As a parent, you’ve probably heard that sleep training can change everything. But if you’ve tried—and stopped—more than once, you’re not alone. Many parents want to teach their child independent sleep but still find themselves rocking, feeding, or lying next to their little one for hours every night.
So why is it so hard to follow through with sleep training?
The answer might surprise you.
The Real Reason Parents Struggle With Sleep Training
If you’ve felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure whether sleep training is the right choice for your family, you’re in the right place. Let’s look at the most common reasons parents have trouble helping their baby sleep through the night—and what to do about it.
1. The Crying Feels Too Hard to Handle
This is the number one reason families hesitate to follow through with sleep training. Listening to your baby cry is incredibly difficult—especially when you’re already sleep-deprived and running on empty. Every instinct tells you to step in and comfort them immediately.
But here’s the truth:
crying during sleep training is not a sign that your baby is scared, traumatized, or losing trust in you. It’s a sign of frustration—they’re learning something new, and like all of us, that can feel uncomfortable at first.
When done with love, patience, and consistency, sleep training is not harmful. In fact, many parents find that sleep training strengthens their bond with their baby.
2. You’re Worried About Damaging the Parent-Child Bond
Many well-meaning parents avoid sleep training because they fear it will hurt their attachment or make their child feel abandoned.
But the reality?
When everyone in the family is exhausted, tempers are shorter, emotions run higher, and even joyful moments can feel like a chore.
Tired parents feel anxious, short-fused, and resentful.
Tired children become hyperactive, clingy, or easily overwhelmed.
When you and your baby both get the sleep you need, everything changes:
- Your patience grows
- Tantrums and bedtime battles decrease
- You’re more present, emotionally and physically
- Your bond becomes stronger, not weaker
Sleep is not the enemy—it’s the foundation for emotional regulation, physical health, and family connection.
3. Inconsistency is Derailing Your Progress
If you’ve started sleep training but haven’t seen results, inconsistency might be the problem. Skipping steps, changing routines, or giving up too quickly can make it harder for your baby to learn how to fall asleep on their own.
Sleep is a skill—and like any skill, it takes time and practice.
But when parents give up too soon (usually because of the emotional toll of hearing their baby cry), the learning process stops short. The cycle of poor sleep continues, and everyone stays stuck in survival mode.
So, What’s the Solution?
You don’t have to figure out sleep training alone. With the right plan and support, you can teach your baby to sleep independently without sacrificing your connection or peace of mind.
As a pediatric sleep consultant, I help tired parents just like you create gentle, effective routines that actually work—so you can enjoy bedtime again and finally get a full night’s sleep.
💤 Sleep is not the enemy. It’s the foundation for a happier, healthier family.
💕 If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start sleeping,
Book your free 30-minute consultation today, and let’s talk about how I can help bring sleep back to your home.
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