This works "EVERY TIME"

So, as a parent of two young ones, I've had my share of moment when I just about want to give up. 

I do what I think is right, and when/if that doesn't work I turn to others for help. 

Example: bedtime. Teaching the child to sleep. 

My oldest, we did the Cry It Out method (if you disagree with this, don't do it with your child and let me be). It was about 3-5 nights of nigh-unbearable tension for the first 30ish minutes after putting her down. 

Then, like everyone said would happen, a nearly magical thing occurred. She didn't cry. She laid down quietly and eventually fell peacefully asleep in her own. She has slept wonderfully ever since. 

Child #2 comes along, we figured we would do the same thing. 

No.
Nightmare-ishly NO.

I even joined a sleep training support group on Facebook, consulted the doctor... 

No.

I was constantly being told "well, you must be doing something wrong because it works EVERY TIME."

No.

I beat myself up for months, there must be something wrong with me as a parent if it works EVERY TIME and even though I followed recommendations and instructions to a T she would not go to sleep on her own.

I then tried other methods, including co-sleeping, that work "EVERY TIME", followed instructions to a T yet again, sure that someone somewhere has figured out the method that really doesn't fail. 

No. Not at all. 

My littlest just hates sleep. 

Her - win

Me - lose

Then God showed me something. 

Nothing is "every time" when it comes to people. There are always some cases that do not fit inside the box. I had one of those cases for a child - she fit into no box I could find. 

And that's ok. God still placed me as her mother. She doesn't fit into a prepackaged box plan? Momma, make a new plan, perhaps a tire, or bubble. 

Stop comparing yourself and your child to others. 

This applies to homeschooling, as well as most of life. 

The "one size fits all" adage is baloney (misspelled on purpose).

Now, disclaimer, one size fits all may be a good place to start if you don't know what you are doing. Just don't let it take over your expectations and stress you out. 

God gave us all our individual lots in life. Our family, children, houses, job(s), etc. 

Our losses, our blessings, every mundane moment. 

If it "works EVERY TIME", but doesn't work for you, here's a simple three step program that really will work. 

1. toss it out the window
2. pray earnestly and with expectation of an answer
3. try again with whatever answer God gives

Because the only thing that truly works EVERY TIME is God.

God always answers, we just don't always listen.

But that's another post...

God bless!

Romans 3:3 - For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Psalms 86:15 - But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth