So you just got off the phone with your best friend. You know - the one that you have everything in common with. Best friends since the first grade, you both got married in the same year, and had your first babies within months of each other. Except, one little thing is different, she's retiring to her couch for the evening to hang with her husband and watch t.v. and you're retiring to your rocking chair for the next one, maybe two, or even three hours. As you sit rocking your baby, you recall the conversation you just had with your best friend about hiring a sleep consultant. And you think to yourself, "Yep, it's time."
Immediately you think, "I'm calling that girl tomorrow." After all, your friend had nothing but fantastic things to say about her. She was readily available, she knew exactly what they wanted, and it was almost like she knew every single thing that was going to happen next!
But, wait. Is she the exact sleep consultant you should hire too? Maybe! Maybe Not!
Now please don't get me wrong, every sleep consultant whether they are new or seasoned, or from this program or that program, absolutely LOVES a reference. But, do yourself a favor and conduct a little bit of research, after all you are hiring someone to do a job for you. Take a minute and think about what you really want out of your sleep coach and the consultation process as a whole.
Before you hire, consider the following.
1. Decide what kind of coaching you want.
Believe it or not, sleep consultants often offer multiple types of coaching.
Are you more of the give me the manual and I'll figure out the rest type? Then maybe e-coaching is for you. Or do you learn better in a class when you have other people who are in the same situation as you to rely upon and talk to? If so, check out some group coaching classes. Do you do better when you have someone to hold you accountable and talk with each day? 1:1 individual sleep coaching is probably the answer for you.
Personally, I love 1:1 coaching. The benefit of having that support and someone to guide you along the way can make all the difference. Initially this type of coaching may be a difficult commitment to make for several different reasons. Possibly you feel embarrassed, almost as if you are the only one in the world with a child who isn't sleeping. Spoiler alert - you are not. Maybe you've done hours of googling and you have already tried everything. In that case, what could a sleep consultant possibly do for you? Or maybe you just can't bring yourself to make the investment. Which leads me to number 2.
2. Use the free consultation.
If you start poking around different sleep consultant's websites you'll probably find that the vast majority will give you the opportunity to talk for free. Now, I know you're probably thinking this is just a way to get you on the phone. I won't lie, there is some truth to that, but it's not just to make a sale. This call is beneficial for both you and the consultant. It's a great way to see if you are a good fit for each other!
I would start by writing down the questions you want to ask. Here are some of the most common questions I hear.
What type of sleep training method do you use?
How long do you expect this to take?
What type of hours do you have?
Are you available on weekends or evenings?
After you formulate your list of questions start scheduling those calls! I think 3 is a good place to start. It will give you a solid idea of how different consultants work and also provide insight on the consultation process. But, keep it simple at the same time. You're an exhausted parent, scheduling too many calls could overwhelm you and just confuse you more.
Did I mention it's free?
3. Look for common ground.
Let's be honest, sleep consultant isn't at the top of the list of things to be when I grow up. I don't mean that in a bad way. This is part of what makes sleep consultants unique and amazing. For most of us this is a second career, or an add on to a career to make ourselves more knowledgable and in turn a great resource for you.
Now, I know the first page you visit on a consultant's website will more than likely be the pricing or book now page, I get it - money rules. But, after that page, be sure to hop on over to the about me and FAQ's pages because you will learn so much about that particular sleep consultant and hopefully find something that you have in common. By hiring a sleep consultant that has had the same sleep troubles or has been in the same situation as you, you get automatic empathy.
Are you having trouble getting multiple children to share a room? Guaranteed there is a sleep consultant that has been there too. (Ahem, me.) Are you the lucky mom of multiples? There are consultant's that have multiples too. Do you feel like behavior issues are creeping in too? I know sleep coaches that also specialize in that as well.
Like any sleep consultant I hope you pick me, or at the very least schedule that 15 minute call with me. That being said, I highly encourage you to check out any graduate of the Family Sleep Institute. With live classes, weekly office hours, private Facebook groups, book clubs, and a mentorship program, we are prepared to take on a multitude of sleep problems. We are truly passionate about getting you and your family the sleep you deserve. So, search around, and you will find the ideal sleep coach for you.
Be sure to look for this logo.
