Q&A: How do I help my child sleep independently without pressure?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - Whether co-sleeping is actually a problem, or simply a parenting choice that works for some families. - How to tell the difference between connection-based co-sleeping and anxiety-driven sleep struggles. - Why independent sleep is a skill that develops over time through practice, not pressure. - How to support your child's growing independence without making them feel rejected. - What it can look like when children naturally begin transitioning out of their parents' bed on their own. - How to approach sleep transitions gently if co-sleeping stops working for your family. - Why there is no one "right" way to handle sleep arrangements, and how to focus on what works best for your child, your relationship, and your family as a whole. - The importance of safe co-sleeping practices and understanding how to co-sleep safely with young children. This episode will help you feel more confident navigating co-sleeping, independent sleep, and nighttime connection in a way that feels aligned with your family's needs, values, and stage of life. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 Stay up to date on the latest podcast episode, tips and tricks, and parenting resources by joining my newsletter. Go to drsarahbren.com , scroll down to the bottom of the page and click "Join my community" to get weekly emails from me. 🎧 Tune into the original question that this episode is a follow up to: Is letting my anxious child sleep in my bed helping or making their anxiety worse? 🔗 American Academy of Pediatrics: Safe Sleep 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with practical solutions for getting your child to stay in their own bed with Eileen Henry 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Why toddler sleep is different than infant sleep and how to use the attachment relationship to help them fall asleep with Eileen Henry 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to modify traditional sleep strategies for neurodiverse brains with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

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Q&A: How do I help my child sleep independently without pressure? is an episode from Securely Attached by Dr. Sarah Bren.

This episode is 14:44 long.

This episode was published on May 28, 2026.

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