my husband has just come home from a year long deployment to Iraq. We have a 16 month old daughter together and since he has been home, things have drastically changed. Usually, she goes to bed at the same time every night without any fuss whatsoever and she would sleep through the night, around 12 - 14 hrs. She would listen to me when i told her to do something, like help me pick up her toys, put down the bug, just everyday things. She gets along great with her Daddy, she just doesnt listen to me anymore and i have such a hard time getting her to sleep and staying asleep. She wakes up in the middle of the night and just cries and cries. I just dont know how to help her! He has only been home a few days, and i was wondering if there are any helpful tips out there. I know there is a period of adjustment, I just need help coping for the time being. Thank you in advance to all who reply, I GREATLY appreciate anything, I repeat, anything to help me help her durring this adjustment period
2006-09-07 19:36:48 · 6 answers · asked by Blenderhead 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
Right - the excitement of having him home is throwing her off her game. It is important for Daddy to make sure that he supports you in what you have established with your child. If she is not listening to you because she wants to play with Daddy, then Daddy should say to her "Now you listen to Mommy and when you are done we can play" or some such. Consistency is very important (as I am sure you know) and you can't afford to have all your hard work go out the window.
I would suggest a little lavender essential oil on your daughter's feet just before bed time, limited juice and sweets after 6pm and only sleepy time tv after 7 or so (my kids go to bed around 8 or 9).
My husband keeps my kids a bit rialed at bed time, but he comes in, kisses them and then we close the door behind him and sing 5 little monkeys or something - a couple songs, maybe a story - that gives them some quiet transition time and very often they start to fall asleep while I am singing or reading. My girls are 3 & 6.
Peace and blessings to you all on his safe return!
2006-09-07 19:44:43 · answer #1 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so happy your husband is home i know that you and your family must be very relieved but as your daughter goes she probley is just excited to have her daddy home and doesnt know if he is going to leave again so she wants to constantly be with you guys to make sure he's still there
2006-09-08 02:40:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well first off let me say that i am happy to hear that your husband came home.. just be patient with her.. she is happy to have her daddy back and she is afraid that if she goes to sleep he will be gone when she wakes up... it is a time of adjustment.. but like i said be patient and just keep telling her that you both love her very much..
2006-09-08 02:45:17 · answer #3 · answered by hartswar101 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its simply just that its a period of adjustment as well as it is for your husband and you. Give it time and eventually it will all go back to normal.
Please tell your husband that we said Welcome Home.. my husband came home in March.
Hugs from a Loving Mom to a Brilliant, as well as beautiful 8 year old Jared and Our Angel, Zachary (taken to soon but who will always remain in our heart) ~ Mel
2006-09-08 02:40:46 · answer #4 · answered by jaredsmommy2004 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to find a book on dadies who went away to war and came back and read it with her before he comes back. authors sometimes know more about how to talk to children about difficult subjects and it might help.
2006-09-08 02:39:37 · answer #5 · answered by chapped lips 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
spend more time with her instead of daddy
2006-09-08 02:41:42 · answer #6 · answered by BREATH NEVER PAUSE YOUR LUNGS!! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋