have a routine for the last 4 yrs. ends with a story an g'nite. I need help in avioding a fight?
2006-12-06 16:52:22 · 10 answers · asked by Nells30 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
My 4 year old daughter started this last year some time. She refused to go to bed at night. It may sound mean, but I started getting her up at 5 AM when I got up. I figured, "hey, you wanted to keep me up so now I'm going to keep you up." It worked. She had a nap in the afternoon, but not too long. She was exhausted by the time night rolled around.
2006-12-06 16:58:31 · answer #1 · answered by Mish B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Children go through phases of growth where they seem to need an awful lot of sleep (we all have pictures of the little monsters snoozing in their dish of spaghetti at the dinner table). Then WHAM we can't seem to keep them in bed (or get them in bed as the case may be).
It sounds like you have the schedule and routine down (very important). You might want to add an after-dinner walk if you live somewhere the weather would allow - not run and play, just a nice 30 minute walk.
Two things you definitely need to do:
1. Cut back on nap time - if they are in daycare have a talk with the caregiver. You might get some resistance, nap time is precious at daycare but you are paying, make sure you get what you need.
2. Do Not Argue with the child. You are the adult. Put the child back to bed and walk away. You will have to do this several times. If you give in you make the next battle even harder. Believe me if you can't win out over a 4 year old there is NO WAY you are going to win out over a 14 year old.
Eliminating the nap should get your toddler into bed for you, probably even a little earlier than you expect.
Just remember right when you perfect a schedule your child will change his/her needs and you will get to adjust. Life is Change!
Hope it helps!
Jen
2006-12-06 17:39:41 · answer #2 · answered by InstructNut 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with most of the others, but I would suggest the following: 1.Get her up about 15 min. earlier. 2.Cut her nap by about 15 min.(If she is in daycare, there is a good chance they will not change their routine, even if they say they will). 3. Make sure at least 30 min. to an hour before bedtime is calm down time, that she is not playing something that gets her keyed up. 4. Have you changed the story lately, tried something new? She is getting a little older and maybe story time can last a little longer, I'm not suggesting to keep her up longer, but perhaps put her to bed a few min. earlier and read a little longer.
Good Luck, hope this helps.
2006-12-06 17:58:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my little one isnt that old yet, he is only 19months but i remember being told by the health nurse that "sleep induces sleep". Sometimes the more they sleep, the better they will sleep. At 4 years old i would guess he/she isnt really having a nap during the day any more... getting ready for school soon. So wear them out during the day with outside play for at least an hour, because the fresh air helps to tucker them out, and then bed time should be 7.30pm. Try not to let them watch tv before bed because if they get hooked watching something it will be harder to leave. Maybe make dinner and sit them down to eat, then have a bath and then story time followed by bed. Having a full belly right before bed will help them nod off too. Hope this helps, good luck with it.
2006-12-06 19:25:55 · answer #4 · answered by mrs herby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uh there are no fights, it's 8:30 and bed time after the story.
If they get up. Don't punish as this shows that they can push your buttons. lead them to bed and say it's bed time DON'T GET UP. and do that every time consistently. So consistent that when they cry. Let them, you know they are OK they are just fighting the obvious. Parents are the boss. Remember that. after a couple of nights they will get tired of that game and go to sleep. Be consistent. No you can't have water, bathroom before bed. Answer all their questions so that the one you as is why are you up. they don't have an answer and will go to bed.
Good luck
2006-12-06 16:58:25 · answer #5 · answered by Uncle Red 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No matter how hard they persist, you need to let them know that you are MORE persistent. Don't engage in a fight, that's what toddlers want. I have a four year old and frequently have to put her in "check". I don't argue with her and never have. If she pitches a fit she gets to go to bed earlier that night. This doesn't happen overnight, and it may take a month or so until they "get it". Persistence is the key, for you.
2006-12-06 17:07:45 · answer #6 · answered by Chris 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure they're very active during the day that way by the time it is time for bed they are pretty much worn out. That's what I do with my three year old, and at the latest she goes to bed at 8pm.
2006-12-06 16:55:56 · answer #7 · answered by mia_bia82 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't fight. Good routine, like you said...story, kiss and g'nite. And that's that. If they get up, put them back. It seems silly...but over and over is sometimes necessary...But just do it with gentleness and don't say a word. ANd definatly don't loose your cool.
Good luck...they grow up quickly.
2006-12-06 16:57:44 · answer #8 · answered by rcpaden 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep the house quiet, nothing that would keep the kid up. and do not give in, you are the parent now act like it
2006-12-06 17:25:55 · answer #9 · answered by nanabooboo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them to get their asses in bed cause you said so..point blank...who is the parent here????
2006-12-06 16:55:21 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋