Family Issues
T
he family is such an intergral part of life and the place where we learn our first lessons and how to interact with others. Shri Babaji encouraged householders to take care of their duties, to love and care for their children, and to keep up their spiritual practice. Babaji loves children and is often pictured with children in His lap. Shri Muniraji is a wonderful example of a loving family man with eight children and now many grandchildren and great grandchildren, who continually takes care of all his duties as well as his daily spiritual practices.
Life in these busy times often becomes challenging for families. We seem to be almost too busy to stop and enjoy the simple joys of living and being together as family. For this reason, we are including this section about families. The first entries are parenting questions and answers that have appeared in the local newpaper for the last year or so. We will also include other helpful ideas for families, so stay tuned.
If you have a question or a topic that you would like covered, just email us at info@Babajiashram.org.
We are here to serve. Bhole Baba Ki Jai!
Parent Talk by Ramloti - May, 2008 |
Is it appropriate behavior for a six-year-old daughter to sleep in bed with the parents?
Sleeping with parents at 6-years-old is neither right or wrong. Some cultures have the family bed for years. It is more an issue of personal choice and sleep. If parents or child are losing sleep, it may be an issue. When it comes time for the child to go to other friends’ homes for sleepovers she may get scared in the middle of the night if she is used to Mom and Dad's bed.
What I want to address is some ways that parents can respectively work with the child that they are ready to have sleep in his or her own bed, at any age. One of the first things to look at is the bedtime routine, as often the disruptive child during the night does not feel secure and loved before going to bed. Is there time for a story or two and some good snuggling time as the lights are turned off? Does this take place at a fairly consistent time each night that is a special time not interrupted by telephone calls and other things.
Assuming a good evening routine, let’s look at some other ideas. If a new bed is set up for the child, make it a special event and have the child help decorate it with a favorite blanket and stuffed animals. Sometimes, this is enough to begin a new chapter in the child’s life. If the child persists in getting up, explain to the child that mommy and daddy want to sleep alone in their bed and that the child now is going to sleep in his or her bed. Asking the child (even at a very early age) what he or she can do to sleep through the night in his or her own bed can be very effective. It may be as simple as a small night-light or a cup of water by the bed.
If these do not change the situation, then it is important for the parents to decide what they are going to do and respectively tell the child at a calm time. For instance, “If you get up, mom or dad will take you back to your bed with no words and no attention.” Or, “We will ignore you and you will have to find your own way back to your bed.” It is important for the parent not to scold or speak or be grumpy at this time, just do what you said you were going to do. It may take a few times in a night (begin on a weekend when you do not have to get up early for work) and may take a few nights but the net results should be a child that sleeps in his or her bed.
Last changed: Jan 03 2010 at 5:43 PM
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