Problem, I have a 8yr. old and a 3 yr. old who won't go to sleep?

Question

Does anyone have this problem or can you help. My boys will not go to sleep until late especially the 3yr.old he gets out of bed no lie at least 50 times and constantly runs throughout the house, he does not take naps at all during the day. It seems like he never gets tired and he keeps the 8 yr. old up. i am lucky to get to bed by 2 am. I am a single mother and i don't know what to do any suggeston. I am stern but it does not hurt i put them both to bed a 8pm every night.

I have tryed everything so i really need help with this one......

Answer 1

i had the same problem. i talked to my daughter's pediatrician monday and he said to just keep putting her to bed-over and over until she falls asleep. First night, i think i put her to bed 30 some times. it's getting a lot better. he also recommended that if problems persist to consult a child behavior specialist. she has disciplinary problems in addition to sleep issues.

Answer 2

The 3 year old has just found a way of getting your attention. They are testing their boundaries. Every kid is different but what worked for me was a very consistent routine. The established routine of getting up 50 times will take a while to break (and it may seem like it will never end - but it will). Being a single mom is tough because you are probably pretty tired by bed time and wishing they would just climb into bed and go to sleep so that you can do the same.

Sit your kids down and tell them about the new routine. Even write it down and let them know that there will be a reward for both of them at the end of the first full week that they stay with the routine. Gold stars on the fridge can help with this too.
Then map out the routine. After dinner they can both help you clean up then at 7:30 everyone brushes their teeth and whatever grooming might need to be done before bed. At 7:45 they can pick out their favorite books and you can have story time with the 3 year old and then the 8 year old. If they are in the same bedroom then it can be together. Then do something unique and special for your kids. My oldest son liked to hear a joke before bed each night. Then say a little prayer with them and tuck them in with a butterfly kiss, eskimo kiss or a kiss on the big toe. Something to make them feel calm and safe.
Keep it as quiet and calm as possible.

The more consistent the better. Stick with it. Before you know it the 3 year old will be off to college and you will be thinking back on these nights with the kids and wondering how you got through it and that it didn't seem that bad after all. Give your three year old a big hug and let him know you would like to run around too.

When all else fails start putting them to bed earlier. The 3 year old is used to getting up 50 times so if you put him to bed earlier at least you will be able to get to sleep by 11 or 12 instead of 2am.

Answer 3

We had the same problem with our younger son, he wouldn't sleep by himself in his own bed until he was nearly 4. We were very sleep-deprived for a long time. He used to get up in the middle of the night, turn on his bedroom light and get toys out to play with, making a lot of noise and waking up the whole house. Either my husband or I would get up each time, sometimes several times a night, and go in there and put him back in bed. We were finally able to teach our son to stay in his room and stay quiet till 7am. We showed him what that looked like on his clock. I know that he did still get up and play during the night, but the lack of sleep didn't seem to affect him during the day and as long as he didn't wake us up, we let it go. Some kids just don't need a lot of sleep and you can't make them sleep, all you can do is compromise.

I know that you are a single mom and all of this falls on your shoulders alone, so you must be very tired. Try making sure your 3yr. old doesn't have any sugar during the afternoon and evening, so he can settle down a little easier. Try the bedtime ritual, that did help our son a little, and maybe make a deal with him: if he will stay quiet and not run around, you will read to him or play a quiet game until 8:30pm. If he gets up and runs around or makes noise, he goes straight to bed. Again, it's a compromise.This way, at least you will be able to sit down for a little while and your older son will be able to sleep if he's tired. If the older one feels it's unfair that the younger one gets to stay up later, let him join in the stories or the game till 8:30 also. Then it's off to bed with both of them and if the younger one gets up, he doesn't get to stay up later the next night.

Be persistent and patient, and good luck to you!

Answer 4

The issue is the 3 yr old, not the 8 yr old. You are going to have to change how you deal with your little one and it's going to be very hard. The good news is that you can do it, whether you are single or married, although it is going to be hard not to have the moral support of someone in the dark of the next few nights.

Tell your boy that there is a new house rule... everyone sleeps in their beds, especially all the "big boys." It is so important that you have a bedtime ritual... bath, read a book, and lights out. The first night tuck your boy into bed and remind him of the "big boy bed rule." When he comes out, take him gently by the hand, led him back to his bed and tell him it is bedtime. Do not yell, do not act angry. When he comes back out, take his hand and lead him back to bed WITHOUT ANY CONVERSATION. Each time he comes out, silently walk him back. You are not going to have much sleep the first night, or maybe the second night. But if you keep to this formula and DO NOT DEVIATE - NO TALKING, NO WATER, NO MILK, NO KISSES AND HUGS- your son will realize that you mean business. (also watch Supernanny or nanny 911 - they usually have this situation)

good luck - it will get better when you son realizes that you are the boss, not him!

Answer 5

A difficult behavior can be hard to break but it can happen!! It sounds like they are taking advantage of you when it comes to bedtime.

First of all, be very firm about what it means when you put them to bed. Make sure they have a before bed routine, something as simple as brushing their teeth and reading a couple books. Then, when you kiss them goodnight instruct them that they must stay in bed. After the light go out there is no more getting out of bed. YOU MUST BE FIRM and stand your ground. Then, if they get out of bed there has to be a consequence...a punishment. Take something away, a favorite toy, a privilege, an activity. You have to follow through with this though. No softy here. And when your child asks for that thing/privilege/activity refer to the reason that has been taken away (the going to bed rule) and then remind him when bedtime comes around again. If you follow this rigidly you will probably have them trained in a week. Trust me, I have very willful children and they know a rule is a rule.

Answer 6

try to bring them more outside taken fresh air playing in the park give them glass of milk before bedtime read for them books some fairy tales try so many ways

Answer 7

The only thing I can offer is try this web site..

parenting.com or bellaonline.com

Hopefully you'll get some answers and advice from these two sites..

Answer 8

do EXACTLY as the above "science mom" says. it really does work!!! super nanny is a great show. you would be amazed at the things you will learn and put to use in your own home. best of luck to you!!!