Why do you call it sleep teaching? I have always heard it called sleep training?
Please see Philosophy
Do you have references?
Yes. I can send you as many references as you would like for work with single babies, toddlers and multiples.
How long does sleep teaching usually take?
It is very difficult to answer this question because sleep plans are tailored to the needs of both the child and the parents. Many books and sleep trainers will tell you that you can get your child to sleep in 3 nights. Sometimes this is true, but not always. I think it is important to be realistic and manage your expectations. Rather than rushing the process, I do what is best for the child and most comfortable for the parents. However, in general, you usually see progress and improvement in 3-4 nights and usually meet your goals within 7-10 days.
During your in-home overnight sleep teaching, am I involved or do you do it yourself?
This is totally up to you. It is most important you do what is comfortable for you. If, for a variety of reasons, you want me to take over completely, I am happy to do so. If you want to be involved in every step throughout the night, this too is ok. OR you can do a combination. You can be involved for bedtime, but not during the night. It is your call. Either way, I will provide you with information and demonstrations so you will have the tools you need when I am no longer there.
Will it be harder for my child if I let a stranger come in and teach them how to sleep?
No. I come to your house early so I can spend some time with your child and we can get to know each other. Ultimately, what is hard for your child is to be sleep deprived and to have sleep deprived parents. If you feel as if your involvement in the process will hinder your child’s learning to sleep, then it is best for you not to be involved. I have actually had the experience in which it appears the child responds better to me than to his parents. My theory is that the child does not have the same connection to me as he does to his parents and therefore, he does not associate me with the same habits he associates with his parents. For example, he does not associate me with night time feedings or with rocking, yet the child still knows I am responding with care and tenderness.
Do you let them scream for hours and hours by themselves?
No. I do not believe in letting your child scream for hours and hours by themselves. I think it is very important they know you are there for them in order to assure they do not feel abandoned.
What is the ideal age to sleep teach?
Your child must be at least 4 months and at least 12 pounds. After that, the ideal age is sooner rather than later and better late than never!
What are your fees?
Fees vary depending on your specific situation and needs, but begin at $75.00. Please contact me to discuss your circumstances so I can help you in the best, most affordable way possible.
Can I leave the house while you are there or do I have to stay?
You can do whatever is most comfortable for you. Many parents leave when I am there. Some go for walks, some go to dinner and some even sleep away from home. Whatever you are most comfortable with. Either way, I will make sure you have the tools you need to implement my techniques when I am not there.
Do you use the Ferber method?
I do not use a rigid method. I instead tailor strategies depending on your circumstances. Since some children and situations may present a unique set of challenges, I do not use the same plan for every child.
Does it matter if my child/children were premature?
Your children must be 4 months in gestational age in order to begin sleep teaching.
Can you sleep teach multiples in the same room?
Yes. If it is necessary or if it is your preference. Multiples can learn to sleep with each other and through each others moans, groans and cries.
What is your experience and training?
Please read About Kimberly
If they cry during sleep teaching, how do you know that I am not psychologically damaging them and that they do not feel abandoned?
I make sure your child knows that someone is with him and they are checked on and cared for. Children sometimes cry for a multitude of reasons: they don’t want to lie still long enough to have their diaper changed, because they want cookies for breakfast or because they don’t want to stay in their car seat. However, as long as you acknowledge their feelings and reassure them, they may be sad and upset, but they are not abandoned. Many parents are worried sleep teaching is emotionally unhealthy for their children. I respect and respond to all of these apprehensions and will discuss them with you at length in order to insure your secruity in helping your child learn to sleep.
How did you get started sleep teaching?
I began sleep teaching when I worked at night with a set of twins. I was hired by exhausted parents of a toddler and newborn twins. My job was to take care of the twins so the parents could sleep. I quickly realized that what they really needed was not just for them to sleep, but for their twins to sleep. I helped their twins learn to sleep through the night. My name was then passed on to another set of twin parents and another set and another set and soon families began to hire me to teach their children how to sleep. For more about my background, please see About Kimberly.
What makes you different or better than all the books I have read or all the other advice?
With the multitude of books available and the constant advice from friends and family it can often be difficult to know who is right and wrong. The information often begins to run together and contradicts other information making it even more difficult for you to decide how you want to conquer your sleep challenges. I am different because I help you all along the way. I help you with your sleep plan, with the bumps that occur and with the doubts and emotions that may arise. I am right by your side helping you through the process. I can answer all the “what if____ happens” which the books do not answer and I am available for support, questions and encouragement. Most of all, I do not focus only on your child. It is very important to me to help YOU, the parent, through this process and paying attention to your emotions and needs is a way in which sleep teaching is accomplished.
Will you travel to other states for In-Home Overnight Sleep Teaching?
Yes. Please Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
What if I don’t need help with nights, but I want you to come during the day to help me with naps?
I can definitely come to your house during the day for nap teaching. Please contact me and we can discuss the details based on your needs.
During In-Home Overnight Sleep Teachings, do you sleep when the child sleeps?
Yes, I try.
Do you sleep in the room with the child when you are here?
It depends on the available accommodations and the age of your child. I have no problems sleeping on sofas, air mattresses, etc. You do not need to be concerned with my comfort; I am there to help you and your child, not the other way around.
What if our follow-up time is over and something comes up a month or so later and we want to call you for questions, do we have to purchase another sleep consult?
No, you do not have to purchase another sleep consultation. If you are a returning client within a certain time period, I offer past clients special discounted rates for any future questions and concerns.
I know someone who could use your services; can I hire you to work with them?
Of course. Please see Gift Certificates
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