This crying selfie of ‘exhausted’ mum Jana Kramer goes viral as she gets real about motherhood
Jana's toddler is going through a sleep regression and it's breaking her heart.
American singer and One Tree Hill actress, Jana Kramer opens up about motherhood and how tough it can be as she posts a heartbreaking photo of herself crying over her son’s sleep regression.
The mum-of-two, who has a four-year-old daughter, Jolie and a 19-month-old son, Jace, took to Instagram to share a tearful selfie and a message about motherhood with her 1.9 million followers.
“This is motherhood. Exhausted, heart strings breaking and crying in a dark room just wanting their baby to fall asleep because you’re exhausted too,” she wrote.
“I have never heard these kinds of screams from Jace and it’s literally BREAKING my heart. Apparently it’s the 18-21 sleep regression. (I had his ears checked and all are good now). His molars all 4 are coming in. And he throws his lovey and wubs out of the crib. I used to go back in to give him but then it became this game. I’ve been told not to go back in to give it to him but hearing him so upset, well has me like this.”
The 36-year-old finished the post by asking for support and advice from her followers.
“Please please mommas tell me it’ll be better soon?! And any tips?!? Also I only share this because I need the mom support.”
Jana’s post was quickly flooded with an outpouring of love and support from celebrities and fans.
American Idol alum Kimberly Caldwell wrote: “I hear you mama. I hear you.”
“I’ve had many moments like this,” country singer Jessie James Decker commented. “It’s OK to take a moment and just cry. We [are] all in this together.”
“Go get your baby and rock him to sleep,” added a follower. “You don’t have to do it by the book. You do you!”
Actress, singer and exhausted mama, Jana Kramer with her two kids.
Toddler sleep regressions
According to Better Health Channel from around 18 months of age, some toddlers who usually sleep well suddenly refuse to go to sleep, or they wake up during the night and do not go back to sleep by themselves. This is known as sleep regression.
Sleep regression is usually temporary and can occur at many points in a child’s life.
It is often associated with periods of high growth and development, but it can also be brought on by factors such as:
- teething
- a change in routine
- sickness, (such as fever)
- travel
- stress
If your toddler experiences sleep regression, stay consistent with bedtime routines. Be calm, and comfort and reassure your child as necessary, but be firm that bedtime means it’s time to go to sleep.
And remember, just like with all the tough stages of parenting, this too shall pass.
