We often talk about sleep as a behaviour — something to manage, fix, or train. But what if sleep is actually something far more relational? In this episode of Nurture, we explore why bedtime and night-waking are deeply emotional experiences — not just for our children, but for us too.

Emma unpacks the idea of sleep as a separation, sharing personal stories and professional insight to help you reframe common struggles — not as signs of failure, but as signals of connection, regulation, and attachment.

Whether you’re up every hour or simply feeling unsure about what’s “normal,” this conversation will remind you that you’re not spoiling your child — you’re soothing them. And your need for rest matters too.

If this is the first time you’ve heard someone speak about sleep this way, we hope it feels like a deep exhale.

In this episode:

* Why sleep is a separation — and why that matters

* What’s really behind bedtime resistance

* How to understand night-waking as communication, not failure

* The role of co-regulation in supporting sleep

* The emotional toll of night-time parenting — and why it’s not just about your past

* How to hold both your child’s need for closeness and your own need for rest

Resources mentioned:

* 📝 Episode Summary + Reflection Prompts

* 📲 Lockscreen Reminders for Middle-of-the-Night Moments

* 🌙 BONUS: Sleep Need Map

* 🎧 BONUS AUDIO: A Whisper in the Dark — guided support for heavy nights

Connect with Emma:

For more gentle reminders, real-life reflections, and honest conversations about parenting, sleep, and everything in between — come say hi over on Instagram: @themotheringpsychologist

To receive nurturing letters straight to your inbox, join Emma’s mailing list here — including updates on future episodes, community offerings, and ways to work together.

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Be the first to hear what’s coming — follow on Instagram @nurturepod and join the waitlist here and we’ll keep you gently in the loop.

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