How can I tell parents of a 1-year-old that they're doing it wrong? This is a very interesting (in the academic sense of the word!) problem. I agree with @DA01's advice. Highlight your vast experience in getting children into a healthy sleep pattern and also that sleeping issues are one of the most difficult things for new parents. With the other issues, if you want to avoid conflict, you can slowly and covertly through osmosis assert your influences.