10 of 19

Yes

Write now Article Tools

When it comes to babies and children, letting them cry can be a very touchy subject. When you should and when you shouldn't let them cry themselves to sleep and if at all for that matter. I honestly do believe it is okay, and perfectly healthy to let a child cry themselves to sleep as long as the baby or child is perfectly well taken care off. If the child or baby for that matter isn't hungry or need to be changed, and is feeling well there is nothing wrong with letting them cry. Doctors will actually tell you it is healthy for them to cry, and just to keep an eye on them. Kind of check on them every 15 minutes or so.

I wouldn't recommend it all the time, but sometimes it just reinforces the need for attention. I can give a perfectly good example of how always picking them when they cry for no reason can truly spoil the child. I have a little girl who is getting ready to be two years old. She has come to think if she cries, she will get anything and everything she wants, right when she wants it. The reason being, she was my first child and when there was nothing wrong, I couldn't just listen to hear cry. After three or four minutes I would cave in and run in and pick her up. Even sleep with her by my side, when she refused to sleep away from me. Like I said, she is almost two, and it now seems like this is the real battle, breaking the pattern of "If you cry, even when you don't truly need anything, I will still be there". It is great for your child to feel you are always there, but always jumping when they cry lets them know you will drop everything to tend to their tears.

I recommend, as long as your child is changed, and fed, and has received the proper amount of attention for the day, that is perfectly healthy and normal to let them cry. It also helps them learn how to put themselves to sleep, instead of you having to lure them to sleep. That is also a big thing with my daughter. She has to have someone rock her, or hold her for her to sleep. She has never truly had to get herself to that point, so she is still relying on me for this. I now have a two month old little boy, and it is almost like having two new babies, cause she still doesn't have any of that independence. It definitely doesn't hurt your child. Letting them cry, when you have done all you can is not neglecting them. That is always how I felt when I heard her cry. But you them put in place the motions that are some of the hardest habits to break.

Learn more about this author, Jenelle Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should parents allow their babies to cry themselves to sleep??
We want to hear your view. Write now!