By now, you might be weary and tired of the co-sleeping debate but I want to share my thoughts on the CNN fiasco.
Recently my friend Alexandria Durrell tweeted out that CNN was doing a feature about co-sleeping and needed some families to be interviewed. Long story short, it worked out with our schedules that CNN would come to my house and interview me for the piece.
The segment ended up being called “Extreme Parenting”. I didn’t know this would be the title of the piece at first, so when I saw it, I had a problem with it. Perhaps to some, co-sleeping is ‘extreme’ but to me, and many parents, it is absolutely normal.
The report showed three families who co-sleep for various reasons but the bottom line is that it works for them. However, the expert in the story, Dr. Shapiro, stated that children after two years of age should be in their own beds so they can learn autonomy.
Unfortunately the segment was too short and did not present any of the benefits of co-sleeping. The expert didn’t offer any real expertise either. The commentary at the end with Kyra Phillips was also disheartening. Although she herself is expecting twins, she already has said no to the possibility of co-sleeping. The reporter, Stephanie Elam, has a seven-month-old daughter seemed to be the only one who was sort of understanding and non-judgmental.
I know CNN was attempting to go the route of “extreme parenting” for ratings but still, it would’ve been nice to show a doctor who would have presented the positive aspects of co-sleeping.
In my house, co-sleeping or bed sharing sort of happens. The kids usually fall asleep in their own beds but either wake up and come to our room, or one of us goes to theirs. Often we’ll wake up in the morning and won’t remember how we got there. It’s a fun game of musical beds and as long as we’re all getting sleep, it doesn’t matter to us.
As for intimacy between me and my husband? To put it bluntly – we still have it and often! Do people only have sex right before bed and IN bed? If so, this is news to me! When you have kids, you sorta need to get creative! Spontaneity is probably the only way some couples can get any.
Are my kids autonomous? Heck ya! They are strong-willed, independent boys who happen to enjoy snuggles. If my child wakes up and wants mommy or daddy, how can I possibly deprive them of that?
In no time, my boys will be teenagers and I will miss this stage and all the hugs and cuddles. So I’m enjoying every moment of it while I can.