Why I Became a Children’s Sleep Coach

If you had told me years ago that I would one day become a children’s sleep coach, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Like many parents, I entered motherhood expecting sleepless nights here and there, but nothing could really prepare me for the reality of what life felt like when sleep became such a huge struggle for our family.

I’m a mum of three, and my journey into the world of children’s sleep began not through textbooks or training courses, but through my own experiences as an exhausted parent searching for answers.

I remember the long nights, the constant wake-ups, the endless Googling at 2am, and the overwhelming feeling of wondering if I was doing something wrong. I remember feeling physically and emotionally drained while trying to still be the best mum I could be during the day and that pressure adding with out 2nd and 3rd children. Like so many parents, I spent hours searching for support, advice, reassurance - anything that might help us all get a little more rest.

But what I found was often confusing and contradictory. There was so much information online, and a lot of it didn’t sit comfortably with me. Some advice felt unrealistic, some felt overwhelming, and some simply didn’t align with the kind of parent I wanted to be. I wanted support that was gentle, responsive, evidence-based, and focused not just on sleep itself, but on the wellbeing of both the child and the parent too.

At the time, I felt there was a real lack of support for families who were struggling. I knew I couldn’t be the only parent feeling this exhausted and lost, and over time, that feeling stayed with me.

My interest in sleep, child development and how their little minds work grew. What started as trying to help my own family slowly became a genuine passion for understanding children’s sleep on a much deeper level. I became fascinated by how sleep affects every part of a child’s development - from emotions and behaviour to learning, growth, and connection.

The more I learned, the more I realised how closely sleep and brain development are linked.

I developed a real passion for the science of sleep and neuroscience, particularly in the early years. Understanding how a child’s brain develops, how emotional regulation works, and how sleep impacts development gave me such valuable insight into what is really happening for our little ones. It helped me see sleep not simply as a behaviour to “fix,” but as something deeply connected to development, emotions, temperament, environment, and a child’s individual needs.

This passion led me to complete professional training including:

• OCN Level 3 Sleep Training

• NCFE Level 3 Holistic Sleep Coaching

• NCFE Level 4 in Neuroscience in Early Years

• Safe Sleep Training with The Lullaby Trust

  
  

My work is always guided by current NHS and The Lullaby Trust safe sleep recommendations because safe sleep will always be at the heart of everything I do.

Now, I support families with children aged 0–11 years, helping parents navigate sleep in a way that feels supportive, realistic, and completely judgement-free. I know first hand how vulnerable and emotional sleep struggles can feel, especially when you are already exhausted. That’s why I believe parents deserve compassionate support, reassurance, and information they can genuinely trust.

One of the things I love most about my role is helping parents understand the “why” behind their child’s sleep. Often, when families understand what is happening developmentally and emotionally, things begin to feel less overwhelming. My goal is never just to improve sleep, but to help parents feel calmer, more confident, and more connected to their child along the way.

I truly believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to children’s sleep. Every child is different. Every parent is different. Every family has different needs, values, routines, and challenges. That’s why I always work in a way that is responsive, respectful, and tailored to the individual family in front of me.

For me, this work is personal.

It comes from those difficult nights I once spent wondering where to turn. It comes from understanding just how hard sleep deprivation can be. And it comes from wanting other parents to know that they do not have to struggle alone.

Because behind every exhausted child is usually an exhausted parent too - one who simply needs support, understanding, and someone who truly gets it.

And that is exactly why I do what I do.

Katie xx