Why is it that every day before bed time and nap time my 3 year old pulls a fit. I don't understand. It doesn't get her to stay up longer, it doesn't get her anything extra before bed, no extra attention. When she throughs a fit, I just close her door and let her cry. It only lasts about 5 minutes, but why does she bother, all it does is get me frustrated, and she is in her room so she isn't even getting satisfaction in knowing that it bothers me. Is this just some crazy 3 year old phase and is it going to end soon? Its been going on for a couple of months now.
2007-02-05 17:32:04 · 7 answers · asked by medleyc1 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
We have a whole bedtime and naptime routine, and she has her set time for nap and bed, and I am very consistant w/ it.
2007-02-05 18:01:17 · update #1
If she is anything like my daughter it is for control. Even though she is in her room she is trying to let you know that she is going to be in control of when she will lay down by herself. Try setting a timer for her 5 min. before she goes down for bed and tell her that when it goes off she is responsible for getting whatever she needs and to go lay down. This will make her feel like she is controlling what is happening.
2007-02-05 17:41:47 · answer #1 · answered by Wendy S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's tired. Three year olds just don't have the capacity to explain how they are feeling. When they feel out of control (which is most of the time) they explode because they don't know what to do with their big feelings. Maybe she knows naptime is coming and she doesn't have a choice about it.
Also, her naptime might need to be sooner. If she's having a fit, she's probably very tired. Try winding down with her. Read books, or watch a special soothing TV show. We like "Little Bear" on Noggin. Make sure naptime is a routine, just like bedtime.
Good luck.
2007-02-06 01:46:21 · answer #2 · answered by GeminiVirgo1971 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A three year old is stubborn, and at that age they still need a nap. You are doing the right thing by not giving into her fit. All I can suggest is that you give her bath with a soothing wash before bed and sit with her by her bed and read her a story for a short time before sleep. Give her a calming routine before bed that might help. Also does she have a night light? Often at that age is when they need to start the use of a night light.
2007-02-06 01:43:57 · answer #3 · answered by Virginia C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went through the same thing with my granddaughter, there was nothing wrong with her she just didn't want to miss anything,after a few minutes she'd be sound sleep. I remember she was doing this well into her 4's I'm sorry to say, eventually I told her it was ok not to nap but just lie down until the alarm went off.All I can say is hang in there, lie down with her sometimes or maybe have a quiet time just before going to bed,try to find out why she's doing this,and pray for lots of patience.
2007-02-06 02:11:34 · answer #4 · answered by Georgewasmyfavorite 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 2 year old just started doing this a month ago.Every nap and bedtime has turn into the most annoying screaming fits.He gets nothing out of it.No attention,not even negative attention.,no staying up later.It bothers me because I think bedtime should be a peaceful time and not crying yourself to sleep.
2007-02-06 02:22:46 · answer #5 · answered by darlene100568 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a phase...when she figures out these fits ..does nothing..and that she won't get her way..she will quit...just don't give in..and don't let her know it bothers you in anyway...be firm.....and it might take a little time..but she will quit....
mother of two that remembers those days....hang in there.. things will get better....... : )
2007-02-06 01:48:37 · answer #6 · answered by LeftField360 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DEAR MIGHT TO HAVE TO PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN YOU MIGHT HAVE TO SPANK HER ON THE BOTTOM JUST ONCE AND A LITTLE TONE IN YOUR VOICE IT HURTS YOU MORE THEN HER OK TAKE CARE
2007-02-06 03:10:08 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋