Have any of you wonderful folks out there attended a northwest couples baby-focused seminars for sleep deprived parents? If so, how did it help? What tools did you walk away with? We are headed to one this Saturday in Bellevue and I am kind of worried that we paid money for information we already know from reading books about sleep with both kids. As I am too tired these days, feelings of doubt fill my thoughts. Also, do you know anything about the two women running it, Janice Driver or Amber Tabares? I have looked at their information on thier websites, but I was wondering if anyone had dealt with them personally and had good success. Thanks mamas and papas. You all rock and I love this website.
I have not heard of these seminars or these women. Even if you do go and get info you already know, your bound to meet some other wonderful parents in your shoes who will no doubt have lots of ideas and sympathy. So if nothing else you will walk away with new friends and that is priceless.
I would be worried too, about spending money on something you could learn from books. I think seminars like this kind give lots of great advice, but they are mostly for motivating people to take action and share pity party stories, whereas books are a wealth of information but people don't always take the advice and remain consistent with it. Does that make sense?
I don't know, I think I'd rather spend that money on something else, like an actual romantic getaway!
Dr. Sears has great sleep advice here!:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070100.asp
Attending a seminar/workshop gives you the opportunity to ask follow up questions and often the information when presented in seminar format is clearer and more accessible if that makes sense. So even though you've read books, there may be a little nuance that you haven't picked up on from the books that they can help you discern. Also, books are very broad brush and cannot possibly account for all the different experiences people are having in their individual circumstances. With a seminar, you have the opportunity to say hey that's great and it almost sounds like our situation but we're slightly different in this way - how does that change, if at all, what we should be doing? For instance, not all methods are appropriate for all ages of baby/toddler. So while the strict cry it out method may be appropriate for a 4-6 month old, it may not be for a 14 month old. I would go and as one of the other posters mentioned, hopefully you meet some other folks and make some new friends.
Good luck!
Can you get your money back?
Did you research them with the Better Business Bureau in your State, to check for complaints & how long they have been in business??
