FAQ
I know how difficult it can be to reach out for help, especially when it's to do with parenthood. With that in mind, here’s a selection of answers to some of ThisParentCan’s most Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep training is the process of helping a baby or child learn to settle down for longer, uninterrupted periods of sleep. Many children struggle to drift off at bedtime, wake frequently, or struggle to nap, sleep training helps to support your child through this process. Every baby is different, so I use a bespoke approach and work with parents to see where tweaks need to be made.
Absolutely! We all need sleep to be at our best, and this is even more important for babies. During the first 1000 days, babies are constantly learning - it’s exhausting work! Babies need sleep to be able to develop, thrive and grow, so as parents it’s key that we prioritise their sleep for everyone’s wellbeing. This is what my service is tailored to provide.
Yes! Using the services of a professional sleep trainer is increasingly common. Fifty years ago, mothers would have had their extended families to support them, or had an extra pair of hands in the form of a “Mother’s Help”. We no longer have those same systems of support, but still have the basic human need for sleep, which is where a sleep trainer comes in.
Families of every shape and size use my services. If you’re finding that the sleep dynamic in your home isn’t working for you or that there are elements of parenthood that you’re struggling with, I’m here to help.
Many children will become better sleepers as they become older and more active, but this can happen at different ages for every child. I have clients who have just started working with me after dealing with five years of frequent wakeups/bedtime troubles. You can save yourself a lot of stress and lost sleep by asking for help sooner rather than later.
I aim to make my services available to as many people as possible, and so offer a range of packages at different price points. At the lower end, I offer a 60 minute phone support session for £95, which allows me to give you tailored advice for the specific issues that you and your family are facing - for some situations, this is all that’s needed. At the higher end, my Deep Sleep package includes an in-home visit, personalised action plan, WhatsApp support and follow-up.
There are a number of factors that can create sleep problems in babies and children. Temperature, lighting, noise, diet, over or under stimulation, underlying sensitivities, or simply falling into unhelpful habits, can all contribute to restlessness and difficulty sleeping.
First and foremost, there is nothing wrong with you or your child. Asking for help from a professional is not a weakness or an admission of defeat. You’re simply recognising that things aren’t ideal right now, and prioritising the sleep and wellbeing of everyone in your family.
Sleep training is suitable for any family who wants support to restore the balance within their home. Every family is different, which is why I work with you to understand the issues you’re facing and help to create solutions that fit with your parenting ethos.
Every baby is different and will adapt to the changes made in their own time. Remember you are teaching them a skill for life. On average, if the bespoke plan is followed consistently you tend to see improvements between 5 to 10 days.
No. While some sleep trainers have set methods they use, regardless of the child and family they’re working with, I take a different approach. I don’t believe in the one-size-fits-all approach and pride myself on adapting to each family I work with. This means that my sleep training techniques are suitable for all families and work within the parameters that they’re comfortable with.