We failed the Ferber method miserably when Plum was a baby.  Sleep training day one went as well as it could due to beginner’s luck; day two had me with a change of heart; a month later, we revisited the topic and had me crying alongside my baby Plum (previously privately published links).  I am embarrased to say that 7 years later, Plum still needs me around at bedtime, with us telling each other about our day… for half hour, sometimes close to an hour.

At  7:30pm, after dinner in our house, I discovered my golden ticket to nightime freedom:

Me: Alright baby, time to practice the piano.

Plum: I am sooooo sooooo tired.  I think I am going to sleep now.

Me (confused but cautiously overjoyed): Oh ok.  Wow you are tired!  Are you sure?  You haven’t practiced your piano yet though.

Plum: Oh but I am just soooo tired.

8pm, lights out.

8:30pm found Plum sound asleep in her room.  Ahhh….  Gotta remember that piano practice trick next time!