While being a parent is one of life’s greatest joys, it can also be challenging and isolating role for many.
The increased financial pressure of expanding one’s family, constant worrying and sleep deprivation — a common causality of motherhood and fatherhood —can wage war on one’s health.
Of all the complaints moms and dads have of their new role, even parents raising their second or third baby, lack of sleep continues to be the biggest trial.
Rather than accept a lack of zzz’s for the foreseeable future, parents here in Langley are turning to a sleep consultant like Marnie Huard of Cheekychops to help bring harmony back into the home front.
The Langley mom to 21-month-old Reiken, knows firsthand how tough it can be to get by without a good night’s rest. Her son sleeps soundly through the night; however, that wasn’t always the case, notes Marnie.
“My son was such a horrible sleeper — I read book after book, went online looking for tips, but nothing worked.”
“After awhile I convinced my husband (Alex) that we desperately needed help.”
At her wits’ end, Huard scoured the Internet to try and find a solution for Reiken, who was eight-months-old at the time.
Having read several raving reviews on Cheekychops — a sleep consulting service in Langley owned and operated by former U.K. nanny Dawn Whittaker — Marnie decided to book the service online.
It only took one night with one of Dawn’s consultants and the Huard household was no longer suffering from sleep deprivation.
“I thought, ‘wow, this is so wonderful — I can actually sleep again,’”said Marnie, who noticed a drastic change in Reiken and herself overnight.
“I had more patience and was just a nicer person. When you have the energy, there’s just so much more you can offer.”
“The experience also changed my son — he used to be grumpier, but once he started sleeping soundly, a switch went off. Now, he’s so happy and content.’’
Marnie admits her only regret in hiring a sleep consultant was waiting so long.
“As a mom, it’s hard to ask for help… we tend to feel guilty that we can’t make our own baby go to sleep. However, it happens to so many parents and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom or dad. I just wish I hadn’t waited to make that call.”
When Marnie discovered that Cheekychops was hiring consultants, she decided to apply to be part of the franchise.
In addition to making an additional income, it was an opportunity to help others experience the same success she did with the one-of-a-kind program.
“Because it worked so well for me, I thought, why not help others dealing with sleep deprivation as well?’”
The extensive screening process with Cheekychops, included several interviews, background checks, references and hours of hands-on training.
As of this past September, Marnie began working with parents from all over the Fraser Valley and beyond — her specific territory is from Langley to Hope.
Marnie meets with parents in person, online (via video conferencing) and over the phone. While convenience matters, so does personalized, high-quality, down-to-earth support. No matter how a client prefers to meet, Cheekychops consultants guarantee the same high standard of service.
“This is incredibly rewarding work — I just love what I do,” said Marnie.
“It’s a great feeling to help parents…to let them know they aren’t alone and that yes, there is a solution.”
Many clients express fear that they’ll be forced to let their little one cry it out, which isn’t the case, adds Marnie.
“You’ll never be forced to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, including the’ cry-it-out method’ (shutting the door and never going back)- that’s just not part of our program. Every situation is unique — we tailor our consultations to fit your family’s needs.”
Being able to help tired parents regain their sanity and help the whole family get more sleep, is more than just a job for Marnie — it’s her passion.
“I put all my heart into it and make sure to be available as I can for the parents,” she said.
“At the end of the day, I feel extremely proud of what I do and proud of all my client’s accomplishments.”
For more information about Cheekychops, visit www.cheekychops.ca or email marnie.huard@cheekychops.ca