How community support can transform your baby's sleep journey

Navigating the sleepless nights of early parenthood can be incredibly isolating, especially when it feels like everyone else has it all figured out. Feelings of self-doubt or guilt often arise, making you wonder why your baby’s sleep success seems out of reach. But here’s the truth: you’re not alone on this journey, and you don’t have to face it alone either.


The power of connection and emotional support

Being part of a supportive parenting community can make all the difference in reducing feelings of isolation. Imagine being able to share your concerns, struggles, and triumphs with others who understand firsthand what you’re experiencing. Time and again, parents find comfort in connecting with others who face similar challenges. One mum shared that joining a local parenting group transformed her experience from feeling lonely and overwhelmed to one filled with encouragement and empathy.


Emotional benefits backed by research

Mums meeting up outdoors with their children in pushchairs

Studies affirm that community support is essential to emotional well-being. Research published in the Journal of Family Psychology highlights how social support significantly reduces stress and enhances resilience for new parents. Parenting expert Dr. Laura Markham emphasises that “finding your tribe can help combat feelings of isolation and provide invaluable support.”

This is exactly what I envisioned for Raising Wild Ones Club - a warm, supportive space where parents can get real-life guidance, feel seen in the chaos, and know they’re not doing it alone.


Letting go of perfectionism in parenting

In today’s world of social media, it’s easy to feel pressured to have a baby who sleeps perfectly. However, real-life parenting is filled with ups and downs, with sleep often being the most challenging part. Embracing a supportive parenting community can help release unrealistic expectations and perfectionism.

The weight of unrealistic expectations

Many parents begin with a mental checklist of what “good parenting” looks like, often expecting a flawless sleep schedule. Research shows that perfectionism can increase stress, especially for new parents.

Raising Wild Ones Club provides a space where parents can share real experiences, reminding each other that small wins are worth celebrating.

Embracing progress over perfection

Focus on small victories rather than perfection. Whether it’s an extra hour of sleep or a new bedtime routine, each step forward is something to be proud of. The ultimate goal isn’t flawless sleep; it’s creating a nurturing environment for both you and your baby.

A supportive community that celebrates these milestones fosters a healthier mindset in sleep training and parenting as a whole.


Rediscovering community through alloparenting

If community support feels unfamiliar, it’s deeply rooted in alloparenting - a collective approach to child-rearing seen in many cultures. Alloparenting emphasises that parenting extends beyond the immediate family to include a supportive village. Picture your child surrounded by grandparents, aunts, close friends, and caregivers all contributing to their growth.

Practical benefits of alloparenting

Alloparenting offers shared responsibilities, emotional support, and varied perspectives, enriching children’s social development. By embracing extended caregiving relationships, we foster a supportive environment for our children and ourselves.

This aligns with my vision for Raising Wild Ones Club: a space where parents feel less isolated and more supported by a collective experience.


The transformative power of community in your parenting journey

Incorporating community support into your parenting journey brings profound benefits, from feeling understood to discovering solutions that might not have occurred to you alone. When we come together, we create a nurturing environment that empowers us as parents and individuals.

In Raising Wildf Ones Club, you’re joining more than a membership - you’re becoming part of a community where every small victory is celebrated, and every challenge is met with compassion and understanding.

By embracing the power of community, we’re giving ourselves and our children something invaluable: a network of love, support, and encouragement that makes every step of the journey a little easier.


Free Masterclass Invite

Want to feel more confident in those early years?

Join me for a free masterclass:

"Five Ways You Can Best Support Your Child In The Early Years"
(No flashcards in sight!)

🗓️ Thursday 5th June
🕗 8:00 PM (UK time) via Zoom

Can’t make it live? No worries - you’ll be sent the replay afterwards.

You’ll walk away with practical, connection-first strategies that actually make a difference.

When you sign up, you’ll also be added to the waitlist for Raising Wild Ones Club - my brand-new membership for parents in the thick of it during those first five years.

And if you decide to jump when doors open as a founding member you’ll get a very special rate, and one lucky person on the waitlist will win a free 1:1 session with me.

Catherine Wasley

Catherine is a certified holistic sleep coach with over 30 years of experience supporting families with children under five. As a mum of four herself, she deeply understands the exhaustion and frustration that can come with sleepless nights.

Combining her extensive knowledge of early childhood development and her empathetic approach, Catherine offers practical, straightforward guidance tailored to each family’s unique values. Her mission is to empower parents to trust their instincts, build confidence, and find solutions that work without pressure or guilt.

Passionate about challenging gender stereotypes in early childhood, Catherine believes every child deserves equal opportunities to thrive.

Outside of her work, Catherine is a keen runner, self-proclaimed coffee addict, and croissant connoisseur. She lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, four children, and their dog, Beau.

https://www.theparentrock.com
Previous
Previous

How to improve baby sleep: The 3 key factors every parent should know

Next
Next

The Loneliness of Baby Sleep Struggles: What Every Parent Should Know