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Wait... Is It Time to Ditch the Crib?
Is It Time for the Big Kid Bed? Here’s How to Know (and What to Do Next)
Transitioning your child to a big kid bed is a major milestone — and if you're feeling a mix of excitement and low-key dread, you’re not alone.
I’ve coached so many families through this exact phase, and what I’ve learned is this: timing really matters. Not just for your child’s sleep, but for your sanity too.
So before you start Googling beds or rearranging the nursery, let’s take a step back and talk about how to know your child is truly ready — and how to make the switch without chaos, power struggles, or 3 a.m. hallway visits.
👀 First... What’s Driving This Transition?
There’s often pressure to make the switch early — and not all of it comes from your child. It can look like:
“My friend’s toddler moved at 2 — are we behind?”
“My mom says we should’ve done this months ago.”
“My older kid made the switch super easy — why is this one different?”
Here’s the thing: every child is different.
Your second is not your first.
Your niece is not your daughter.
And timelines that work for other families might not work for yours.
It’s not about comparison. It’s about readiness.
And No — Crib Climbing Doesn’t Automatically Mean It’s Time
Let’s clear up one of the biggest myths I hear:
“She’s climbing out of the crib, so it’s time for a bed, right?”
Not necessarily.
In most cases, crib climbing has more to do with a new motor skill milestone than sleep readiness. Translation? Your child isn’t trying to escape — they’re trying to practice.
So what can you do? Let them climb! Give them time during the day to explore and burn off that new physical energy. Because if you don’t… guess when they’ll do it?
Yep. At bedtime.
➡️ Want more on this? Read: Do You Have a Crib Climber?
So... When Is the Right Time?
Great question. Most kids are ready to transition between ages 3 and 4 — but age alone isn't the deciding factor.
Make sure your child has rock solid sleep skills both at bedtime and middle of night. Meaning, they do not sleep support to go to sleep or back to sleep.
If your child still “needs you” at bedtime or middle of night, they are NOT READY to take on the responsibility of being in a big kid bed. Sleep Training may be needed first (let’s talk to help your kiddo learn independent sleep skills).
Here’s what I encourage parents to look for:
✅ An understanding of time (like morning vs. nighttime)
✅ An ability to follow boundaries and rules (even if they test them)
✅ A basic grasp of consequences (“If I get out of bed, Mom comes in… not worth it”)
If your child is also potty training, a bed can support that next level of independence. But again — readiness, not rushing, is the name of the game.
How to Make the Transition Smooth (and Honestly, Kinda Fun)
Okay, so your child is ready. Here’s how to keep this transition from becoming a sleep sabotage:
✅ Lock Down the First 7 Days- This is where most behaviors pop up — testing boundaries, leaving the bed, calling out. Totally normal! But what matters is how you respond. Create a simple, consistent strategy so your child knows what to expect — and trust me, they will rise to meet it.
✅ Plan Ahead- Mark it on the calendar. Talk about it in advance. Let your child help pick out sheets or a special bedtime buddy for their new bed.
✅ Role Play- Practice bedtime routines and staying in bed with a stuffed animal. Make it playful! This helps set expectations before the first night arrives.
You’re Not Alone in This
This milestone can bring up big emotions — for your child and for you. It’s okay to feel unsure. That’s why I’m here.
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready, or if bedtime has become one big standoff... let’s talk. Together, we can create a sleep plan that feels good, honors your child’s development, and helps everyone get the rest they need.
You're doing a beautiful job — and your little one is growing in all the best ways.
Are you struggling with your child's sleep? Could you use some support?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
Alternative Methods to Cry It Out
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
Celebrating the Wins: The Power of Acknowledging Your Progress
One of my favorite parts of the sleep coaching journey is our celebration call. This is a time to pause, look back at the path you’ve traveled, and truly acknowledge how far you’ve come. When we first meet, families are often overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, and unsure of the way forward.
Fast forward 2-3 weeks, and the transformation is incredible. It’s a shift from chaos to calm, from exhaustion to empowerment, and from surviving to thriving.
Why is this so important to celebrate?
Research tells us that recognizing progress is a powerful motivator for future success. When you reflect on the hurdles you’ve overcome, it strengthens your belief in your ability to tackle whatever lies ahead.
By creating a “united front” as parents, you’re not just solving sleep challenges—you’re building a foundation for resilience, teamwork, and confidence.
Look at the below studies:
Strengthens Teamwork- Celebrating achievements is an important opportunity to fortify what is working, to strengthen team relationships, and to create positive momentum. LSA Global
Improves Emotional Connection- Celebrating small wins can boost your mood and improve confidence in your accomplishments, keeping you motivated as you pursue a larger goal. Harvard Summer
Boosts Motivation- Recognizing small successes activates the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, which reinforces positive behavior and enhances motivation. Read Article : Psychology Today
During our celebration call, we cover the following:
What did life look like before sleep coaching?
What felt impossible?
Together, we recount the steps you took, the challenges you overcame
We celebrate all the victories along the way
What is possible now that was not possible 2-3 weeks ago
Time for yourself in the evenings, planned a date-night, or finally enjoyed uninterrupted sleep,
A family life has transformed—and that’s worth celebrating
It’s not just about celebrating that your baby now sleeps through the night (although that’s a huge win!); it’s about honoring the teamwork, consistency, and commitment that made it happen.
Keep Healthy Sleep Habits for Life!
Celebrating doesn’t mean the journey ends. Parenting is an ever-evolving experience, and new milestones will emerge. On the celebration call, we look ahead to what’s next based on your baby’s age and developmental stage. Whether it’s transitioning from two naps to one, handling the “big kid bed” switch, or navigating sleep regressions tied to exciting milestones like walking or talking, you’ll be ready.
This forward-looking approach equips you with tools and strategies for the future, ensuring you feel confident no matter what comes your way.
Taking time to celebrate isn’t just about feeling good in the moment. It reinforces the idea that challenges are surmountable. As parents, you’ve proven that with the right plan, support, and perseverance, you can achieve amazing things. This mindset carries forward into other areas of your life, reminding you that you’re capable, resourceful, and a strong team.
Sleep coaching isn’t just about sleep; it’s about creating space for your family to thrive. As you enjoy the benefits of well-rested nights and calm routines, new possibilities open up. Vacations, babysitters, and even quiet evenings become part of your reality—things that might have seemed impossible just a few weeks ago.
So let’s celebrate. Pop the champagne, do a happy dance, or simply enjoy the quiet. This is your moment to savor how far you’ve come and prepare for the amazing journey ahead.
Are you struggling with your child’s sleep? Wondering if I can help?
Please know that I do NOT advocate the "cry-it-out" method. As a certified Gentle Sleep Coach, I emphasize a guilt-free and gentle sleep coaching process that respects your child's developmental needs.
Let’s work together to restore peaceful nights for your family. Contact me today and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours with information on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
Join the "Sleep is Bliss Tribe"
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Happy & Safe Eating: No More Choking Fears!
As parents, we all want the very best for our children, especially when it comes to their safety and well-being. I understand that the transition to solid foods can be a time of anxiety for many families, with fears of choking often at the forefront of our minds.
It's completely natural to feel this way, but it's also essential to recognize that with the right knowledge and precautions, introducing solids can be a positive and enriching experience for both you and your baby.
At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, we emphasize the importance of being well-informed and confident in your approach to feeding, ensuring that your child receives the age-appropriate nutrition they need for healthy growth and development, while also establishing the foundation for sound sleep patterns.
Here is a great (and quick) video from Nationwide Children’s on how to prevent children from choking.
Common Causes of Choking in Children
Children, especially those under the age of 4, are at a higher risk of choking due to their small airways and tendency to put objects in their mouths. Some common causes include:
Food: Hard candies, nuts, grapes, popcorn, raw vegetables, and hot dogs are some of the most common food items that can cause choking.
Small Objects: Coins, small toys, buttons, batteries, and other small household items can easily become lodged in a child's throat.
Household Items: Balloons, plastic bags, and other items that can cover the mouth and nose pose a significant choking risk.
Preventing Choking: Tips for Parents
While it's impossible to eliminate all risks, there are several steps you can take to minimize the chances of your child choking:
Supervise Mealtimes:
Ensure that your child sits down while eating and avoid letting them run or play with food in their mouth.
Cut food into small, manageable pieces. For example, cut grapes into quarters and hot dogs into thin strips.
Choose Age-Appropriate Toys:
Pay attention to age recommendations on toy packaging.
Avoid toys with small parts that can easily detach and be swallowed.
Keep Small Objects Out of Reach:
Store small items, including batteries, buttons, and coins, in places where children cannot access them.
Regularly check the floor and other surfaces for objects that may pose a choking hazard .
Educate and Model Safe Eating:
Teach your child to chew their food thoroughly and take small bites.
Lead by example by practicing these behaviors yourself.
GET EDUCATED: Take a CPR Class EACH YEAR! The Importance of First Aid Training
Taking a certified first aid and CPR course is highly recommended for all parents and caregivers. These courses provide hands-on practice and can give you the confidence to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.
Choking is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk and be prepared to respond if needed. By supervising your child, choosing appropriate foods and toys, and learning basic first aid, you can help ensure their safety and well-being.
As a sleep consultant, I emphasize the importance of parents being educated about child safety, including choking prevention, so they don’t avoid feeding their child age-appropriate foods. Remember, prevention is key, and preparation is crucial. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay prepared to keep your child safe from choking hazards.
Triggered by Crying to Calm: How One Family Found Sleep Success with My Gentle Sleep Coaching Method
Laura’s little boy was struggling with sleep, and it was affecting the entire family.
Nap times were exhausting.
Tantrums and meltdowns were happening all the time.
Parents were feeling “nap trapped” due to contact napping
Nighttime was no better.
Multiple failed transfers to crib and Frequent wake-ups.
Co-sleeping became their only solution, but even that stopped working.
Exhaustion took over daytime patience.
Laura’s frustration was palpable when she described how her son's crying triggered her. Laura says… "My mental health was really struggling," acknowledging how severely sleep deprivation was affecting her ability to be the mom she wanted to be.
Alternative to Cry It Out Methods
One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents is their fear that any sleep training method will involve endless crying and distress. Laura and her husband shared those same fears.
But as they quickly discovered, my gentle method doesn’t involve leaving your baby alone to cry for hours. Instead, it’s about working with your child’s natural rhythms and teaching them the skills they need to sleep peacefully—without trauma, stress, or guilt.
The Shift Toward a Restorative Sleep Solution
What Laura and her family were experiencing is all too common. The frustration and exhaustion were taking over their lives, yet they didn’t know how to make the necessary changes. The good news is, they didn’t have to navigate it alone.
Their family’s journey with sleep coaching allowed them to check off every box on their wishlist ( and QUICKLY!):
✅ Sleeping through the night
✅ Hands free naps
✅ Sleep well in a pack and play for family trips
✅ Parents sleep in the same bed together at night
✅ Grandma babysit overnight with no stress
✅ Aunt babysit with no nap drama
✅ Anybody can put him in for a nap easily
✅ Go on trips and family holidays
In Laura’s words: “We were surprised how easy it was. We expected a big battle and fight from him, but because we were methodical about the process, it was so much easier than I thought. There was no drama. It wasn’t traumatizing at all. It flowed very naturally.”
A Return to Balance for the Whole Family
Perhaps the most heartwarming part of Laura’s story is how much sleep coaching transformed not just their son’s sleep but their entire family’s quality of life. Laura’s husband reflected on the overwhelming anxiety that used to dominate their nights.
"Our whole day was just about fighting him to sleep, and then our whole nights were anxiety about him not sleeping and us not sleeping. Now, I get 6 hours of my day back. Before, it was a multi-hour process for each nap. Now I run through our 10-minute routine, and he falls asleep within 15 minutes without crying or screaming."
Not only did they regain their time, but they also learned how to soothe their son effectively, a skill they’ll carry with them for Baby #2.. But First! This family is looking forward to their GUILT FREE Hawaii Trip knowing their son’s sleep demands won't stress out grandma while they are gone
Your Path to Restful Nights Starts Here
If Laura’s story resonates with you, know that you don’t have to endure the sleepless nights and endless nap battles any longer. Sleep doesn’t have to be a source of stress, and your family deserves rest—without the drama.
Let’s work together to create a sleep plan that works for your family, just as we did for Laura and countless others. Your journey to peaceful nights and happier days is just a step away. 🌙
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Well, hello. I'm Joanna with blissful baby sleep coach, and I'm here with Laura and Nate, who have a baby boy who is nine months old at time of coaching. Thanks, you guys, for being here. We are sharing their success story because it's a big, amazing success story. So I always like to start with the question is, what did it look like before you called me? So before you.
Before we reached out to you, we were really struggling with his naps. So he was still doing contact naps twice a day, and sometimes those would take us a few hours where we would have to reset, but we didn't really know how to reset. And he was having these massive meltdowns, and he was doing alligator rolls in our arms, in the chair, and we just had no idea, like, how to get him to go to sleep during the day.
Nighttime was the same routine. He had to fall asleep in our arms, and we had to transfer him to the crib. Sometimes that failed. Um, and then he was having frequent wake ups, a lot of early wake ups. And by the end of it, we just resorted to completely co sleeping because that was the only way that we could get him to sleep throughout the night. Yeah. Yeah.
And you guys had been, you know, thinking about it, doing some research, like, trying some things. It wasn't like. It wasn't like this all cascaded. It was like things just kind of kept getting worse. And then all of a sudden, like, whoa. Yeah. First it was just early rising. When we first reached out, he was just getting up early in the morning, and then it was this whole thing of, now he's fighting all naps, now he's waking up all night.
And then, you know, when it was co sleeping, he'd sleep like a little angel baby, except for we would not. He actually slept well for a little while, and then it just. Yeah, after six or seven months, it just all went downhill. Yeah. To get worse and worse and worse. He was a really good sleeper up until about seven months, and then he started crawling, and that was it.
We just didn't. And that's what can be so hard and confusing for parents, because if you had a good sleeper and then, like, a couple of funky things, like early rising, which is. Early rising is defined as, like, waking between four and 06:00 a.m. and then, you know, oh, maybe a couple of contact naps, and then all of a sudden, oh, a couple of bad nights, let's co sleep.
And so it's just like, it went from good to, like, a little funky, a little bit more weird. And then all of a sudden, like, full blown, I cannot sustain this. And that's kind of what happened to you. I think that's an important thing for families to know is, like, you can go from a good situation to a funky situation to just flat out bad and it's fault.
Right. That was the thing that you and I talked about a lot is, like, you guys didn't do anything wrong. Like, he went through all of these milestones. He stays all these milestones back to back. He got sick. Like, a lot of things just led to the situation where it was like, okay, now we need help. So that was like, next question is like, okay, so, obviously you're like, we need help.
But, like, what? Was there any other reason why you decided to reach out for one on one support? Like, were you like, I want to do a digital course, or it didn't work? Like, what was it about one on one support with me where you're like, I need one on one support for the. Joanna? Yeah. I think for me, it's just my mental health was really struggling. I was severely sleep deprived of, and I was just getting really angry really easily.
So I get really frustrated. Like, I kept having to hand him off to Nate for naps and stuff during the weekend because he would just sit there kind of thriving and thrashing around, and I just couldn't take it. His crying was triggering me severely. And then even throughout the day, I just felt like I couldn't engage with him at all because I was just so exhausted and so frustrated.
What about you, babe? Yeah, it was definitely. It just kind of took over our lives. It was just. Our whole day was just about fighting him to sleep, and then our whole nights were just anxiety about him not sleeping and then us not sleeping, and it just. It just became clear that we just didn't have the energy or the time. Yeah. Create our own plan or to learn the skills or to figure out which method we wanted to use, and we just needed help because we needed to get it fixed fast.
That's right. Yes. Yes. Definitely. Definitely. Yeah. And, like you were saying, like, nate was home with him during the day, and, like, it would take him 4 hours to get, like, maybe two and a half hours of daytime sleep, sometimes more. I mean, sometimes he reset two or three times. It was just really a frustrated. The whole day became about naps and getting him down, and both of us just really started dreading it.
Yeah, you dread. Yeah, you dread the days. You dread the nights. Okay, so, good news. What does it look like, now. It's so much better now. Yeah. It took him just a couple of days. Yeah. And he's sleeping through the night. He still has some wake ups, but he puts himself back to sleep before. He wasn't doing that. Uh, we can put him in the crib awake, which is something that we've never been able to do ever.
And we're no longer contact napping. So that's a huge win. So Nate gets hours of his day back. Oh, yeah. At least I get like 6 hours of my day because it was before, it was literally, it was like a multi hour process for each nap. And now I go in there and I run through our routine and, you know, use all of our skills, and it takes me less than ten minutes to go into his crib.
And then he falls asleep within 15 minutes afterwards. And he doesn't cry, he doesn't scream at me, and he just goes to sleep. And then I get to go and enjoy my time. I know dad's like, quiet house. Amazing. I think the only problem is now I have less time to play games on my phone because I'm not sitting in that chair for hours a day. So that's been a hit.
Yeah. Taking a hit. Probably save some money, though, or chores. I'll probably save some money now. Yeah. Yeah. No, more like, you know, doom scrolling or whatever. So, yeah. So I think what's really important about that is that, that you, because, mom, you were feeling really sleep deprived and his crying was already really triggering. It was really important that you found a coach that was not cried out like that.
You trying to do your own version of extinction or your own version of Ferber washing, just logistically not even the right choice because you were already so emotionally fragile because sleep deprivation, that any kind of crying, like crying was too hard on your mama heart. Yeah. So Nate was the, was the coach, and we really had to. Wonderful, awesome coach. And that relieved mom to be able to take care of herself and, you know, not get triggered.
But more importantly, we moved in a really gentle pace, meaning we crafted it to meet the needs of the child so that the crying, there wasn't high drama at all. Like, do you want to talk about that? That, like, you were actually, like, pleasantly surprised? Like, oh, wow. Like, he did more settling and soothing than crying. Yeah, absolutely. And, and I think we, we learned how to soothe him, too, because we didn't, we didn't know what worked for him.
And we were trying so hard in the chair when we were contact napping and nothing would work. And so, you know, it took us a couple of nights to figure it out, but now we know it soothes him. And we actually used it this last weekend when he was having a little bit of a hard time. And it. The same thing that worked in the crib. It worked, you know, when we were out camping.
And it, you know, we know how to soothe him now what works for him. And it's so. It's super helpful. Yeah. So that leads me to my next question, which was, what are you guys doing now that you couldn't do before and you just alluded to it? Well, we sleep in the same bed together at night. Yeah. Have to sleep. Master bedroom is back in business. My mom had actually tried to have him over one night when both of us were really, really sick, and she brought him back because he was so bad before with sleeping.
So now we can have someone watch him. Grandma's watched him. My sister's watched him. Now people can watch him overnight because when she tried, she attempted to put him to sleep four or five times and he wouldn't sleep. So she's like, he's not sleeping. And now anybody can put him. Now anyone can put him to sleep. And also, we had canceled the vacation because his sleep was so bad.
We were like, well, we're going to be up all night. We don't want to cram into a queen bed together when at least here we have separate bedrooms and we can get more sleep. It was just, you know, we can go on trips now. So that's big for us because we have some big holidays that I'm very, very excited to go on that we were not sure if we get to go on.
And now we know that we can go on those. So, good. Yeah. So what, what, what I do when I work with clients is we always make a wish list of what we want. And that part of their wish list was obviously sleeping through the night and hands free naps. But the other, like, bonus, bonus was we have a wedding to go to and we want grandma to stay overnight so we can go to the wedding without breaking the baby.
Mission accomplished. What? Right? And then the other one was, we, you know, we know, we know he needs to sleep in a pack and play if we go on a vacation. And we know that he can do nights and naps in a pack and play. And you guys tried that last weekend, and he was successful at doing that. So that's leading to that possibility. These future trips, they're longer, you know, not just a weekend thing, but, like, a longer thing.
That now you have a little bit more confidence that he can actually be portable, which I think is a big thing for a lot of families. You want, like, a portable baby, you know? Yeah. Yeah. And our Hawaii trip and just knowing we were dreading it. Joanna, we had that Hawaii trip, and we were dreading leaving our baby with our grandparents, knowing that he was going to give them hell for an entire week at naps.
But now we don't worry about it at all, because they just put him in the crib and he goes, and they've already done it. And they already. They came for the wedding, and they were the ones who put him in. And my mom's going to be taking him for a Halloween trip that we used to go on every single year that we had to skip last year. So that's just because I was, you know, a couple days postpartum, we could be traveling, but so we're really excited to get out and do that.
Yeah. So literally, you guys, like, in two weeks, their life from holy crap to we're going to Hawaii and grandma. Guilt free. Yeah. And guilt free. And that's why I do. I call it guilt free gentle sleep coaching, because I don't want, as mothers and parents, like, we haven't killed for a million different reasons. Like, let's not have sleep be the reason why you feel guilty. Right. So if you were to meet a.
A sleep deprived, overwhelmed parent who was afraid to. Who was afraid to get help with sleep training, or didn't even know that sleep training was available, or maybe had some misperceptions that it was, like, bad or scary, or it was, like, high drama with lots of crying. What, you want them to know about the process? I think we were surprised how easy it was. I think that we expected a big battle and a big fight from him, but because we went with the method and we're really methodical about it, it was so much easier than I thought and so much less.
There was really, like, no drama. It wasn't traumatizing at all. It flowed very naturally. And, you know, they don't have to just leave their baby in a room to cry it out for hours. It is very possible to not do that. And I would definitely recommend that everyone try your method instead of just leaving them to cry. Absolutely. I think if we had done this on our own, it probably would have been as at the least weeks, if not more, to figure it out.
We probably would have stopped and started along the way or gotten frustrated. And, yeah, I think this was, not only was it faster. But I feel like we just learned great skills that we can use for baby number two. Or if baby number two is like this baby. If baby number two is like this baby, hopefully easier. But, you know, we just. We just learned so many, like, great skills along the way and we learned how he works.
Yeah, just. That's super helpful. Yeah, that's what I always say. What I love about this process is, like, yes, we are going to solve all the sleep struggles and get you to your. Your wish list. But so much more happens in the one on one coaching experience. Like, we start to understand your baby in a way that you didn't understand them more. You guys learn more about each other, as in partnership, in parenting partnership.
You know, in this case, Nate did all the sleep coaching and, like, so he learned this new relationship with his son, you know what I mean? And then allowed mom to get the sleep she needed so she could come back to the table and, like, not. And be joyful and being with him instead of, like. So it does so much more than just solve the problem. It really brings harmony to the household.
And you just learn about how to be more available, emotionally available to your child than you, because before you were sleep deprived. So it's just a little bit richer. Like, things end up a little bit. Absolutely. A little bit richer. Yeah. So. All right, well, thank you so much, guys. I really sharing your story. I know it's going to help a lot of people. I appreciate it. We appreciate you so much.
You have no idea. Thank you so much. Yeah, no, we have our lives. It's amazing. Yes. Lives back. Amen. I.
A Must-Watch Movie Clip — What It Reveals About Bedtime Battles & Mom’s Who Shame Themselves
If you’re a parent who has spent countless nights battling bedtime with your toddler, the new movie Nightbitch starring Amy Adams might just feel like it was made for you. This raw, darkly comedic, and utterly relatable film captures the sleepless chaos of early parenthood in a way that few movies dare to.
I’ll admit, I watched Nightbitch because I LOVE Amy Adams. I didn’t expect it to be a commentary on something I witness every day in my work with overwhelmed mothers. I see Amy’s character displaying the raw, unfiltered emotions so many moms feel but rarely speak aloud—the overwhelm, the struggle, the resentment toward other mothers who seem to have it all together, the frustration with their partner, and the endless questioning of their own choices. It’s a mirror held up to the unspoken realities of parenthood, and it’s as heart-wrenching as it is relatable.
And while I love this movie for its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of parenting, it also breaks my heart. It reminds me of the countless parents I’ve spoken to who suffer in silence, convinced that they “should” be able to figure this out on their own. This feeling of “I should” keeps so many from seeking the help that could change everything.
But here’s the truth: sleep challenges are not your fault, and you don’t have to face them alone.
In one poignant scene, the mom (played masterfully by Adams) struggles to put her toddler to sleep, only to be overwhelmed by a tidal wave of guilt, exhaustion, and self-blame. She finds herself spiraling into the thought, “It’s all my fault.” Sound familiar?
Understanding Your Toddler’s Sleep Struggles
The bedtime battles you see on screen might mirror your own: a toddler refusing to sleep, endless requests for water, another story, another cuddle. It’s enough to make any parent question everything they’ve ever done.
Toddlers are navigating enormous developmental leaps—more independence, language bursts, and boundary-testing. Sleep resistance is often their way of asserting control, not a reflection of your parenting. That’s why it’s essential to have a plan, one rooted in compassion and structure, to guide your child toward better sleep habits.
What Sleep-Deprived Parents Can Take Away
Your Guilt Is Misplaced
Just like the mom in Nightbitch, many of us fall into the trap of thinking we’re doing something wrong. But guilt doesn’t solve sleep issues—knowledge and support do.You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
The movie serves as a reminder that parenting isn’t a solo act. If you’re feeling like a version of Nightbitch yourself, it’s time to ask for help. Whether that’s from your partner, a friend, or a certified sleep coach, support can make all the difference.Sleep Is a Skill That Can Be Learned
Just as your child learned to walk and talk, they can learn to sleep well. With the right tools and consistency, bedtime can become a peaceful, bonding experience—not a battle. It’s never too late, you have not “failed them.” You were not “Wrong” for enjoying the stages while it worked.
Why You Should Watch Nightbitch
Nightbitch shines a light on the complexities of modern motherhood. It validates the emotional rollercoaster of parenting, particularly for those who feel unseen in their struggles.
But let this movie be more than entertainment; let it be the nudge you need to tackle the bedtime battles head-on.
As much as I love this movie for its brilliant exploration of motherhood, it’s bittersweet. I see the mom’s guilt and frustration and think about the countless parents living this reality every day. So many moms believe they “should” know how to solve their child’s sleep struggles on their own, and that belief keeps them stuck in a cycle of exhaustion and doubt.
Please know this: asking for help isn’t giving up—it’s stepping up for yourself and your child. Sleep struggles don’t have to define your parenting journey, and they certainly don’t have to last forever.
Ready for Peaceful Nights?
If Nightbitch hit a little too close to home and you’re ready to stop dreading bedtime, I’m here to help. At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, I specialize in transforming sleep-deprived chaos into calm, tailored to your family’s unique needs.
Because, as the movie shows, when you’re sleep-deprived, it’s easy to feel like a different version of yourself. Let’s work together to bring back the best version of you—and peaceful sleep for your little one.
Ready to reclaim your evenings? Let’s connect.
Please know that I do NOT advocate the "cry-it-out" method. As a certified Gentle Sleep Coach, I emphasize a guilt-free and gentle sleep coaching process that respects your child's developmental needs.
Let’s work together to restore peaceful nights for your family. Contact me today and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours with information on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
Join the "Sleep is Bliss Tribe"
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Starting 4/4/25! Get Expert Parenting Strategies at the Parenting 101 Summit
Parenting can feel like a rollercoaster—one moment, everything is smooth, and the next, you’re dealing with bedtime battles, tantrums, and power struggles. Sound familiar?
That’s why I’m so excited to be part of the Parenting 101 Summit: Your Guide to a Joyful Parenting Journey, where you’ll get expert advice from top parenting specialists (including me!) to help you navigate these challenges with confidence.
This FREE online event, hosted by Elisabeth Stitt of Joyful Parenting Coaching, is designed to empower you with real, actionable parenting solutions.
And the best part? You can access it all from the comfort of your home!
🎤 My Featured Session: Mastering Sleep for Peaceful Nights
Let’s talk about sleep deprivation—because no one thrives when they’re running on fumes. In my session, I’ll uncover:
✔️ The biggest culprits behind sleepless nights
✔️ Gentle, effective strategies to get your child sleeping peacefully
✔️ How to foster independent sleep habits that last
Sleep impacts everything—your child’s mood, behavior, development, and, of course, your sanity. I’ll show you how to create a restful routine that benefits the entire family.
🌟 What You’ll Learn at the Summit
Beyond sleep, you’ll gain incredible insights on:
✅ Emotional Regulation: Helping kids manage big feelings
✅ Setting Limits with Love: Encouraging cooperation without power struggles
✅ Chores & Confidence: Teaching kids life skills from an early age
✅ Welcoming a New Baby: Making sibling transitions smoother
✅ Nervous System Science in Parenting: A new approach to staying calm and connected
…and so much more!
📅 How the Summit Works:
🗓 April 4th – Kickoff with a live Pre-Summit Q&A at 10:00 AM
🎤 April 7th-11th – Daily expert interviews (available for 24 hours)
🎁 Upgrade to VIP for Lifetime Access + Exclusive Bonuses
🎟 Why You Need the VIP Package
While the free ticket gives you access to each session for 24 hours, the VIP Proactive Parents Package lets you watch on your own schedule and unlocks exclusive perks, including:
✨ Lifetime access to all expert sessions
✨ MP3 downloads & transcripts
✨ Exclusive VIP gifts from experts
✨ Monthly group coaching with Elisabeth Stitt
✨ Deep-dive Positive Parenting workshop
💰 For a limited time, you can get it for just $47 (regularly $197!).
🎁 Plus, VIP members will also receive my exclusive sleep coaching resource to help your child sleep through the night—because rested kids = happy families!
⏳ Don’t Wait—Register Now!
If you’ve ever wished for a go-to parenting roadmap, this is it. Learn from trusted experts, get practical tools you can use right away, and feel supported on your parenting journey.
I can’t wait to share my best sleep strategies with you at the summit! See you there.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TODAY TO PARTNER, PROMOTE AND SUPPORT A WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS?
I am a proud Committee Member of WO3, a grassroots movement dedicated to supporting women-owned businesses through partnership, promotion, and support.
Here are some other ways. I am living the mission of WO3!
TODAY March 29, 2025: Ways to Get Active with the Movement
All month long, I have encouraged my audience to actively participate in WO3 Day by supporting women-owned businesses in meaningful and actionable ways: I have done ALL OF THESE ACTIVITIES in the month of March…What Can you do TODAY!!???
✅ Engage on social media – Like, comment, share, and amplify the voices of women entrepreneurs online.
🌟 Leave positive reviews – Boost visibility and credibility by writing reviews for your favorite women-owned businesses.
🎙️ Be a guest on or share women-led podcasts – Use your voice to elevate other women or share episodes from female-hosted podcasts to widen their reach.
🛍️ Shop women-owned brands – Make intentional purchases from businesses founded and led by women.
🤝 Mentor or donate – Invest in women’s success by offering mentorship, making donations, or supporting funding campaigns.
Spotlighting Women Entrepreneurs.
For the last 3 years, I have identified 16 incredible “doers” and I've used my Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching platform to interview and feature inspiring female leaders, sharing their stories and amplifying their voices because they are making significant impacts in their fields.
I have a whole Youtube Playlist of all the interviews I have done so you can be inspired.
Finding organizations that Empower the Next Generation:
I love to highlight the significance of supporting organizations that empower young girls, emphasizing that fostering confidence, resilience, and leadership skills from an early age is crucial.
I featured various organizations dedicated to uplifting and mentoring girls, such as Girls Inc., Girls Who Code, and Black Girls Code. This initiative aligns with WO3's mission to promote and support women-owned businesses and organizations that contribute to the success of families and communities.
Each of these simple actions contributes to a larger impact—promoting gender equality and empowering female entrepreneurs to thrive.
Let’s show up, stand tall, and support HER success!
Are you at Risk for Burnout??...Must-Watch Interview with Lisa Duerre: Happy W03 Day!
Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a serious issue affecting professionals across industries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is defined as a "syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed." But what exactly leads to burnout, and how can we address it before it takes a toll on our well-being and productivity?
Cost of burnout for companies is $4,000- $21,000 lost per person
Recently on WO3, we hosted a powerful Instagram Live interview diving deep into the reality of burnout:
what it looks like
why it happens
how to prevent it
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by workplace stress or simply want to gain insights into combating burnout, this is a must-watch conversation!
In our Interview, we SHOUT OUT to some other Female Owned Businesses that they admire and you will definitely want to check out!
Authors: Jackie Stavros (Author), Cheri Torres (Author)
Conversations Worth Having Book: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement
Catherine Seo, PhD. Lipedema Project
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineseophd/
Sonu Ratra, Women Back to Work
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wbw-women-back-to-work/
Donna Ashworth
Learn more about Lisa Duerre
Lisa Duerre is a visionary leader and renowned expert in leadership development, workplace culture transformation, and burnout prevention. With over two decades of executive experience in Silicon Valley, she champions inclusivity, belonging, and wellbeing in every facet of her work at RLD Group. As CEO & Co-Founder, Lisa guides tech companies to sustainable success through tailored consulting, impactful coaching, and inspirational speaking engagements. Her mission is clear: empower leaders to create workplaces that work for all.
Lisa's unique perspective as a lipedema advocate propels her to the forefront of conversations surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Featured by leading media outlets and as host of Ctrl+Alt+Delete with Lisa Duerre™, a top technical leadership podcast, she shares invaluable insights on modern leadership. Lisa's vision, empathy, and authenticity drive positive change, promoting wellbeing and unlocking limitless possibilities.
Whether delivering keynotes, coaching executives, or facilitating workshops, Lisa brings expertise to empower organizations. Her mission is to foster environments where individuals thrive authentically. With a focus on vision, empathy, and authenticity, Lisa Duerre is reshaping the future of leadership, one empowered organization at a time.
RLD Group RLD Group helps tech leaders, teams, and organizations drive results by strengthening leadership, team performance, and workplace cultur RLD Group FIRM Leadership Lab Waitlist
CTRL+ALT+DELETE with Lisa Duerre™: Conversations Worth Having Episode (YouTube Link) and on all podcast platforms
Conversations Worth Having Book: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement
Women Back to Work: The nation’s leading workforce re-entry program for technical talent Website https://rldgroupllc.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lisa.duerre
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lisa.duerre/
GET INVOLVED: Embracing the spirit of unity and empowerment, joining the movement to champion women-owned businesses this March is as effortless as following three simple steps. Here's how you can become a part of this vibrant celebration:
Sign up for March Reminders:
Begin your journey by registering to receive enchanting, cost-free ideas that make it easy to support, promote, and partner with small, women-owned businesses.
This initiative builds momentum towards the climax of WO3 Day. You can sign up here.
Spread the Enthusiasm:
Ignite a wave of support by encouraging your friends and family to participate.
Engage with us on social media platforms for a dose of inspiration and use hashtags like #isupporther, #wo3connect, and #wo3day to amplify your impact. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn at WO3Connect.
Plan Your Support:
Devise a plan to back women-owned businesses throughout March with simple, yet meaningful actions.
From writing a touching review to finding creative ways to support your favorite female entrepreneurs, every effort counts.
Join us in making WO3 a jubilant celebration of women's achievements. Together, we can shine a light on the remarkable contributions of women in business. Let's connect, support, and celebrate. 🚀 #wo3connect #isupporther
Are you struggling with your child's sleep? Could you use some support?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
Alternative Methods to Cry It Out
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
🎉 Parenting 101 Summit – Your Go-To Event for Expert Parenting Advice!
Parenting is one of the most rewarding journeys, but let’s be real—it comes with challenges that can leave even the most patient parents feeling overwhelmed. That’s why I’m so excited to invite you to the Parenting 101 Summit: Your Guide to a Joyful Parenting Journey!
This FREE online event, hosted by Elisabeth Stitt of Joyful Parenting Coaching, brings together top experts (including me!) to share proven strategies that make parenting easier, more peaceful, and more enjoyable.
🌟 What You’ll Gain from This Summit
From sleep struggles to setting boundaries, toddler tantrums to sibling rivalry, this summit covers the real-life issues parents face every day. Each session is packed with practical tools you can start using immediately.
I’ll be sharing my expertise on gentle sleep solutions—because let’s face it, sleep deprivation isn’t a badge of honor. Your child CAN sleep better, and so can you!
🗓 Key Summit Details
📅 April 4th: Kickoff with a Live Pre-Summit Q&A
📅 April 7th-11th: Daily expert interviews (available for 24 hours!)
🎁 Upgrade to VIP for Lifetime Access + Exclusive Bonuses
👉 Grab Your Free Spot Here
🎤 My Featured Talk: Helping Your Child Sleep Through the Night
If bedtime battles, constant night waking, or early morning struggles are part of your daily routine, I’ve got you covered! In my session, you’ll learn:
✔️ The top reasons your child struggles with sleep
✔️ Simple, gentle strategies to create better sleep habits
✔️ How to support your child’s self-regulation for long-term sleep success
Sleep is the foundation of healthy development, and I can’t wait to equip you with easy-to-implement techniques to get your little one sleeping soundly.
🎯 Other Must-Watch Topics
✅ Mind-Body Parenting: Using nervous system science to improve your approach
✅ Setting Limits with Love: Encouraging cooperation without power struggles
✅ Chores & Confidence: Helping preschoolers build life skills
✅ Welcoming a New Baby: Supporting sibling relationships from the start
And so much more!
🎟 Why You Should Grab the VIP Package
With the free pass, each session is available for only 24 hours, but with the VIP Proactive Parents Package, you’ll get:
✨ Lifetime access to every interview
✨ MP3 downloads & transcripts
✨ Exclusive VIP gifts from experts
✨ Monthly group coaching with Elisabeth Stitt
✨ A deep-dive Positive Parenting workshop
For a limited time, you can get it for just $47 (normally $197!).
🎁 Plus, as a VIP, you’ll also receive my exclusive sleep coaching resource to help your child sleep better—so you can reclaim your rest and sanity!
⏳ Don’t Wait – Register Now!
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but this summit is the next best thing. Whether you're struggling with sleep, behavior, routines, or emotional regulation, you’ll find real solutions from trusted experts.
I can’t wait to see you there and help you on your parenting journey! 💙
