The 2 boys (12yr. old & 11yr.old) are to go to bed at 10:00p.m but my 6yr.old niece has to go to bed at 8:00p.m. She just does not listen to me. She puts up a fight, has a temper tantrum every night so far. What can I do to get her to go to bed without putting up a fight with her. HELP!!!!!!!!!
2006-07-14 11:08:53 · 22 answers · asked by purcat333 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
She's at an age where it won't be easy to get her to comply, especially because her mom and dad are not around and things just are not normal for her right now.
Patience and persistence are what you need. She needs a warm bath to help relax, a glass of milk could possibly help, and even though it will cut into your time, if you can read to her that might also help.
Be firm, don't give in, or it will only get worse. She's obviously testing you to see what she can get away with...stand your ground.
Good luck, you're gonna need it.
2006-07-14 11:20:15 · answer #1 · answered by JC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the best techniques to try is to remind her an hour before bedtime. Let her do something she enjoys, and remind her agian that it's bedtime in 1/2 an hour. Slowly get her prepared, so she is aware of what kind of time she has left to play before it's time for bed. Bedtime doesn't always mean lights out. Let her play with a doll or "read" to herself for ten minutes once she is in bed. That can help to relax her. Also, have her brothers play along and be very quiet around her and to keep the noise down while you are getting her into bed..... a lot of the time the younger ones just feel like they will be missing out on something if they can't stay up. If whatg the boys are doing isn't exciting....... she may be less inclined to want to stay up. Good luck!
2006-07-14 18:19:48 · answer #2 · answered by jen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start a special routine, just for her (that her brothers don't get to share in unless they, too go to bed at 8). I can be something like telling her a bedtime story, doing something silly with her, or giving her a small special treat - again, just for her.
It will take a couple of days, but, because you are giving her extra POSITIVE attention, she may not feel the need for the negative attention she gets with the temper tantrums.
2006-07-14 18:14:11 · answer #3 · answered by weirina85 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try positve re-inforcement, like if you go to bed you can watch your favorite cartoon early in the morning tommorrow. Or read her a story. Make sure she is full and has had plenty of excersise before bed time, and make sure everyone is basically unwiding not all hyped up at the time of bed time. These things should make it a little easier.
2006-07-14 18:11:57 · answer #4 · answered by acalirobin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow, most kids listen better to non-parents than to their own parents so this is odd. i say let her throw her temper tantrum. make sure she isn't doing any activities that will get her too excited late at night. offer some hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmellows before bed. make sure she eats a full meal as close to the end of bed time as possible.
then, put her to bed. let the girl scream. if it makes you any calmer, remember she can't die from crying. your nerves may get racked, but she won't die. at some point she will tire herself out and fall asleep..... and next time, tell your wonderful brother and sister-in-law to take their little demon child with them next time!
2006-07-14 18:18:22 · answer #5 · answered by Bella 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her know you are in charge. She has to listen to you and be FIRM. Don't back down.
Take a privilege away from her.....for instance, pool, get together with friends. And stick by it and she will know you mean business. I would also let her parents know when they return. I wouldn't call them now and ruin their vacation. What can they do away from home. But after they are home, settled, in a couple of days phone or visit and let them know how things went. Be honest, but not brutal, and keep a calm voice.
2006-07-14 18:14:05 · answer #6 · answered by Nana 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wrap a few small presents and put them in a bowl. Tell her that if she goes to bed w/o any problems then she can unwrap a present from the bowl the next morning! Then put on some disney music to distract and lull her to sleep.
2006-07-14 18:14:38 · answer #7 · answered by cocoa.girl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read to her a half hour before on "schedule" that she has a part in creating. Does she have a time out place not in her room? She probably feels abandonded and that'll screw up a child's mind. Good luck.
2006-07-14 18:13:27 · answer #8 · answered by DelK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pretend to put the other 2 to sleep at 8:00.
2006-07-14 18:12:40 · answer #9 · answered by lilhottjankster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why does she have to go to bed so early? Does she have to get up real early in the morning? Ask the brothers what her nighttime routine is and try to copy it. Hope that works!
2006-07-14 18:12:25 · answer #10 · answered by Ricky 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋