Pro and Cons of the Cry-It-Out Method

The cry-it-out method is a go-to tactic for parents who are trying to teach their children how to fall asleep independently. Parents will either stay in the room with the child and not comfort them as they cry, or leave the room and come back at pre-determined intervals if the crying continues. Although this method has worked for many parents, it is not without its critics. Before deciding to use this sleep training technique, it is important to consider the pros and cons.

Cry-it-out (CIO) is intended to help children learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. It is an approach that promotes independence in the child as well as the entire family. It can be helpful for children, as well as parents, to have a consistent bedtime routine. The emotional toll on the parents, however, can be quite difficult.

The use of the cry-it-out method can come with a lot of pushback and guilt from others who don’t understand or agree with the parenting style. The longer the crying goes on, the harder it becomes to ignore the guilt. Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of implementing the method.

Pros of the Cry-It-Out Method

The biggest pro of the cry-it-out method is that it teaches a child to become independent. The idea behind this approach is that a child will eventually learn how to self-soothe and put himself to sleep without the help of a parent.}

Furthermore, it can also teach children patience and self-regulation. A child who is used to getting their way immediately may realize that they must wait for their needs to be met. Additionally, it teaches the child that they can trust their parent and that the parent will eventually come to their aid.

Cons of the Cry-It-Out Method

The biggest con of the cry-it-out method is that it is emotionally taxing on the parents. Hearing a child cry can be difficult and cause feelings of guilt, especially if it carries on for a long time.

In addition, some children may find the process to be too overwhelming emotionally and it can even cause a child to emotionally shut down. This can lead to long-term trust and attachment issues.

Additionally, the cry-it-out method can lead to confusion for the child when they are in distress and need comfort. After being left to cry for long periods of time during the sleep training process, a child may start to believe that you are not available when they are in need.

Things to Consider Before Implementing the Cry-It-Out Method

• The child’s age and parenting style
• Health and safety issues
• Child’s temperament
• The chances of success
• Whether or not the parent is comfortable with the method

Conclusion

The cry-it-out method can be beneficial for some families as it can help a child learn to become independent. However, it is not for every family and should be carefully weighed before deciding to implement it. It is important to consider the child’s age, temperament and the emotional impact it will have on the child and the parent.