At the end of the day, when I’m lying in bed going over the day’s triumphs and defeats, I can’t help but wonder if I’m doing it all wrong – if I made too many mistakes. But then I look down at my sweet tiny girl, peacefully asleep at my breast and I know without a doubt that when it comes to nursing, I got it exactly right.
One day nursing will no longer be the answer to everything, and when that day comes our relationship will change. She will need me less, and I’ll have to let her go.
But today, right now, I choose to cherish this and hold on to it as long as I can.
Whatever it is that you’re doing to help your child drift off to sleep, rest assured you’re doing it right.
If your child is unable to fall asleep without you, don’t let anyone make you feel like you’ve given your child a crutch. The nature of the relationship between a mother and her child was meant to be one of attachment.
If your child is unable to fall asleep without you, don’t let anyone make you feel like you’ve given your child a crutch. The nature of the relationship between a mother and her child was meant to be one of attachment. One day your child will stop needing so much from you at bedtime. We cannot force our children to need us less, we can only force them to stop asking.
Choosing to be gentle with your child is always the right choice.
Our babies won’t remember what we did or didn’t do at this age, but they will carry with them always the way we made them feel.
So nurse your toddler, hold your toddler, rock your toddler to sleep – hold them in your arms. Whatever it is you’re doing that allows your child to fall asleep embraced in your love – just keep doing that.
I promise you won’t regret it.
Originally published HERE.
Mallory Richardson is a natural minded, attachment parenting mama and blogger. She currently resides in Southern California with her husband and their two young daughters. She aspires to encourage parents to take a natural and gentle approach to raising children. You can read more of her writing at Far Out Mama, and join her communities on Facebook and Instagram.
