Years ago, we were trying to help one of our kids get to sleep when he was sick. After many attempts to get him to fall asleep by cuddling with him, we realized he would be better off if we just let him sleep on his own. With us there, our two-year-old would either enjoy the one-on-one attention or would wake up anytime we moved our cramping arms. Our interventions were actually distractions preventing him from getting the sleep he needed. However, he was not at all happy when we put him in his crib and walked away. I am certain, he was thinking, “Dudes! I don’t feel good! Why is no one coming to hug me when I’m sad!? . . . Hello!? Is anyone there?”
