Aly, your post was absolutley PERFECT...my gracie is 4 months old and we have been crate training since day one..when she was 9 weeks old and she has done great! I have done exactly how you described and its a pleasant experience for her..I never use it for punishment. She is in her crate all night to sleep at this point and I am hoping by 6 months she will be able to sleep in our room in the bed she is getting for Christmas (fingers/toes crossed) She is also in it while I am at work which is 8 - 4 but I come home from 11 - 12 to let her out and we play outside/exercise (I am only 4 min from work) She has a little fleece pillow and I always let her take one chew toy with her. I think its the ONLY way to go..and I have read tons on the subject on the web and in books and talked to the vet, PetSmart trainer..and they all agree.

Tell your mom to hang in there..and the main thing is the size of the crate..for sure...it should be a security place for them...and it will be if its the right size!