A mum and her husband have turned heads after revealing that they still sleep in the same bed as their daughter, aged four, and have no plans of stopping.
When Caroline Chirichella became pregnant with her first child, she vowed to become a ‘textbook’ mum and follow the ‘norms’ of society.
But after welcomimg Lucia, she has since adopted a ‘softer’ parenting approach, refusing to send her to school until she is five years old and co-sleeping with her each night.
The writer, 34, says that not everyone agrees with her attitudes, with fellow parents often commenting that she’s ‘too close’ with her daughter.
‘If I’m not supposed to be close with my four-year-old daughter – my flesh and blood – then who should I be this close to?’ said Caroline, from Guardia, Italy.
‘In the past, people have commented that not sending my daughter to school was a mistake, but quite frankly, she is exactly where she should be.
‘I teach my daughter from home, she knows the alphabet, numbers, shapes and days of the week – often, she completes puzzles for eight-year-olds.’
Although she responds to negative opinions on her parenting style by asserting that she does what she feels is best for Lucia, Caroline does sometimes question herself.
She said: ‘I wonder if being too close with her has caused some dependency issues – but all children go through phases.
‘Kids should be given the time and space that they need to grow, and that sometimes includes going through these phases.
‘I believe each parent has the right to choose how they raise their children, as long as it’s safe and healthy.’
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Caroline previously hit the headlines after revealing her age–gap relationship with husband Vito, who is 23 years her senior at 57.
She claims that co-sleeping with their daughter has helped the couple to get a better night’s rest, as well as improving their romantic relationship.
‘It’s made our relationship, and our sex life, stronger since I see what a wonderful and loving father my husband is – it’s made me love him even more,’ said Caroline.
‘It’s allowed for us to get consistent good nights of sleep, which we all really need.’
However, it’s not without its issues.
Caroline explained: ‘Sometimes, my daughter wants to go to bed and I won’t leave her sleeping alone, as I’m nervous about her falling off our high bed.
‘When the time comes to move her into her own bed, my plan is to involve her in the process, such as letting her pick a bed, sheets and a night lamp.
‘I honestly don’t know at what age I will push this, since right now, it’s not a concern of ours. I love sleeping next to my daughter and hearing her breathe – it comforts me.
‘I have no plans of stopping anytime soon.’
Growing up, the mum-of-one was part of a supportive and loving family, which she believes inspired her to create a similar environment within her own home.
Yet Caroline says it’s all about balance, and claims that more parents need to also be their children’s friends rather than only serving as an authority figure.
‘You want your child to feel loved and supported, while knowing that they are safe,’ she said.
‘I also want her to feel like she can talk to me about anything without feeling scared or ashamed and this all starts with love. My daughter knows what true love is and whatever choices she makes in life will have our full support.’
Regarding opinions she’s received about her unconventional sleeping situation, Caroline added: ‘There’s no such thing as “normal” as this is outdated – I think the most important thing is to parent children with love, respect and honesty.’
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