Ah, the elusive full night’s sleep—the Holy Grail of parenting, right?
If your kids aren’t sleeping through the night, you’ve probably already tried everything: white noise machines, lullabies on repeat, maybe even a stuffed animal with more personality than you’d like to admit. But here you are, awake again, googling “how to get kids to sleep.” Let’s chat about it—because sometimes, knowing you’re not alone in the nighttime chaos is half the battle.
First off, let me just say this: You’re not failing.
Repeat after me: “My child’s inability to sleep is not a reflection of my worth as a mom.” It’s just a tough season, one that can feel endless but, trust me, it will end. Maybe not tonight, maybe not tomorrow, but eventually, the sandman will grace your house again—he’s just taking his sweet time.
Now, on a practical note, one of the first things to remember is that sleep is a learned habit, and like any habit, it takes time and consistency. You’re training your child not just to fall asleep but to stay asleep, and let’s be real—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. This isn’t just about them learning to sleep, but also about you learning to adjust your expectations. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your child’s sleep schedule isn’t going to magically fix itself after one night of perfect sleep hygiene.
Here’s where it gets a bit raw: you might feel like losing your mind sometimes.
There’s something uniquely maddening about being awake at 3 a.m. for the third time, running on fumes. And it’s in these moments that you need God the most.
Prayer can be your lifeline during these long nights.
Instead of counting sheep (or hours until dawn), try counting your blessings—or, lift up a prayer for patience, for peace, for that deep well of strength that God can give us. There’s something about inviting God into the hard moments that transforms them. The Bible tells us, “He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might” (Isaiah 40:29, WEB). So, next time you’re up, whisper a prayer.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to let go of the “perfect” bedtime routine.
It’s okay if you skip a night of reading that one careworn picture book for the hundredth time. Instead, maybe take five minutes before bed to pray over your child. Ask God to give them rest, not just physically, but in their little hearts too. Trust that he’s watching over your family—yes, even at 2 a.m. when you’re both wide awake.
The bottom line: You’re doing great, and sleep will come.
Keep the faith, lean on God (and coffee), and know that this season won’t last forever. Hang in there, mama. You’ve got this!
