Red Light, Green Light, 123

I was a big time naysayer when it came to this item. I never thought it would work, and in a way it was a self fulfilling prophecy because I left it out for the kids to play with and they thought of it as a toy. When it came time to use it, they could have cared less about its actual purpose. Also, at just two years old, I think they were not quite old enough to understand, or rather appreciate its purpose. They were climbing out of their cribs and no little red stoplight would keep them contained. And so, I put the clock away in the cabinet for several months, until I retrieved it in sleepless desperation last week.

After starting school several weeks ago, separation anxiety kicked in big time with Brody and he began screaming for us throughout the night, and then again in the early morning- pre 5 am on some days. I mourned the loss of my champion sleeper and beautiful scheduled twins, and cried for my own restfulness. As a family, we were all losing it a bit, and after several nights spent sleeping on their floor and then several nights of an intensely emotional cry it out routine, I needed more concrete help.

In a typical “we will try anything” parent state, Eric and I set up the clock and explained that ‘mommy and daddy would be sleeping while the light was red. But, when it turned green, we would be in immediately to get him in the morning and start the day.’ The car on the side of the clock definitely help persuade this auto enthusiast, and my intense bribery (I will give you anything!) of course.

We reminded Brody that crying or calling out for us during the night would not work until the light was green. Cranky, panicked and tired we sat up and listened for him that night. After a few brief crying sessions, he put himself back to bed that first night, and then cried for us to get him in the morning once the light turned green.

But since then, a light went off in his head I think, pun intended. And I don’t want to jinx myself,  but he has gone back to sleeping through the night, and calmly playing in his crib by the dim red glow. We have even had the odd day where he has slept through the green light.

So, I take back my skepticism and mommy-of-the-year ego, and I will accept help. I love that this clock is a visually concrete way to reinforce boundaries and help him re-learn how to self soothe. I have never been the best sleeper and developing solid sleeping strategies was an important priority for me to instill in my children. Aside from the fact that they have each other for company each night, I want them to be independent in this regard and take comfort in their own quiet being. Perhaps too tall a task for two-year olds? At least I will take this break when I can get it.