It's now my 4 year old !!!?

Question

Hi can someone help. A while ago i posted a question as my 1 year old was messing about at bed times.... she had not been well and had got into a habit of waking up. That is now all sorted but mow my 4 year old (they share a room together) Keeps getting out of bed as soon as i have read her a story and told her its bed time. She refuses to go to sleep and gets realy upset. She does not want me to leave her she has tried everything I need a wee, drink, i forgot to tell you something..... .
Has anyone else had this problem any advice and why has this all started now???

Answer 1

yes my 5 yr old twins used to do it at that age i think they are scared of missing something. i tell them that if they stay in bed and go to sleep that the sleep angel will come and leave them a treat under their pillow usually something small like a sticker and it worked a treat on them! i tell them that she leaves them a treat while she is checking that they are ok... that way it also makes them feel safe just in case it is because they are a bit worried about going to sleep. they also have a 'dream' teddy that we all kiss so tht it brings them good dreams

Answer 2

I was just wondering if you put them to bed at the same time or if you stagger their bedtimes.
I would suggest putting the youngest down just half an hour before the 4yr old, make her feel like the 'big' girl, do the whole story thing downstairs so she has some special time with mum/dad, make sure she has had a little drink, and then take her up, pop her on the loo, and into bed.
She will love this time with you, if she gets up and messes around, tell her that tomorrow she will not be allowed 'big girl' time with you, and stick to it. She will soon see which way she prefers!
Good Luck.

Answer 3

Hi, she has probably just got out of her routine. Try and be consistent and send her to bed same time as usual and keep returning her to bed she will soon get bored especially if you dont really interact with her during this time. Yes take her to the toilet, dont shout or really talk to her and she will find that it is not worth getting up. Praise her the next day for staying in bed, even if it is through gritted teeth because it has took you 3 or 4 times to get her to stay in bed! Good look.

Answer 4

I would think that ur daughter is only acting on what she saw her sister doing. The best advice I can give u is just stick to what u say to her cause if u give into her once that's it she knows she has u. I would also suggest not to give her drinks when she asks for them ask her just before it's bed is she thirsty and explain to her that she wont be getting it after when she looks for it? If she keeps getting up out of her bed just keep putting her in even if u have to do it 10times in one night just keep doin it, I did and my 4 yr old boy sleeps on his own now with a light on out at the stairs. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

I think all 4 year olds do that. The good thing is that 4 year olds also understand simple reasoning so you can tell you her that if she keeps it up then she will have to start getting ready for bed earlier for the next 2 nights. Always stick with what you warned.

Answer 6

I think she may be maturing and just really isn't tired yet. Perhaps, if you give her a nap in the afternoon, you should shorten or stop it, or you can extend bedtime 15-20 minutes and see how she holds up. Or she's just jealous of the 1 year old's extra attention during her sleepy time issues and wants some of that for herself.

I purchased the 15 minute c.d. books that Disney has out, that knocks my guys right out when they refuse to sleep!

Answer 7

Does your child take a nap? If she does Try not to let her nap. This way when bedtime comes around she'll fall right asleep. But say this doesnt work, Then allow her run around, jump around, and play games with her about two hours before she goes to bed. after this she will be pooped and fall asleep like an angel.

Answer 8

Your 4 year old has been watching you with your 1 year old and is now looking for the attention. Just try reassuring her a bit more and explain what you had to do with your baby and why. I'm sure she will come round in the end. Just be a bit patient. Good luck.

Answer 9

Possibly her behaviour could be a hint of jealousy over how you focused your attention on the 1 year old at bed time. The method you used obviously worked on the one year old, but did you accidentally encourage this behaviour now in your 4 year old?

Answer 10

Don't give in to her excuses. Not even one! Be firm with her. Read her a story, lay her down, tell her good night, and leave the room. If she gets up put her right back in her bed. Don't say "time to lay down" or "don't get up" just lay her back down and don't say a thing. You're just going to have to keep putting her back in bed until she gives up. Be consistent...