No, sleep training doesn’t mean you have to stay home for every single sleep time! I work with families of all different lifestyles and schedules. However, for the first two weeks, I recommend staying home as much as possible during scheduled sleep times to establish a solid sleep foundation. After that, I follow the 80/20 rule—aim to keep your child’s schedule and sleep environment consistent 80% of the time, while allowing 20% flexibility for outings and life’s unpredictable moments. This balance ensures your child maintains healthy sleep habits while still allowing room for real-life adjustments.