My daughter is in a big kid bed with a bedrail. She needs me to give her milk and then put her to bed. I have to lay there as she twirls my hair until she passes out. it is ridiculous. i have tried simply sitting at the foot of the bed, but she pitches a holy fit that is unimaginable. She wanders into my bed at night and I never even know she is there. Do you think a gate at her door would help? Look, I need some real advice not some mean answers, so please moms help me. Thanks in advance.
2007-08-01 14:56:13 · 7 answers · asked by noitall 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Can you explain to her that mommy's hair is no longer available to her at night and try to substitute it with another "lovey" such as a soft toy, doll or blanket?
It won't be easy, but if you stick it out for a few "fits" she will get the message.
A gate at the door sounds worth a try for the middle of the night wanderings.
2007-08-01 15:06:18 · answer #1 · answered by sharkyincanada 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you say that she CAN'T sleep by herself, you're psychologically allowing it to continue because you don't think she is capable of anything different. I assure you, she CAN sleep by herself if she gets tired enough! The advice in a previous answer to establish a soothing bedtime routine is part of the right answer. You MUST decide on a routine and stick with it every single day until it is SO established that an occasional variation won't set her back. Try something like this starting about an hour before her bedtime... a warm bath (I always sang to or read to my daughters while they were in the tub), a small bedtime snack, brush teeth, settle into bed and read X number of books (I did 3- each one got to pick one), a bedtime prayer if you're so inclined, a sincere cuddle and kiss and then a "goodnight- sleep well- I'll see you in the morning!" YES, I would use a gate at least until she gets into the routine. I know she's still a baby, but if you would treat her as if she is capable of carrying this routine out with your help (like it's not your job anymore to give her her milk- she's old enough to drink it herself from a cup)- in other words, let her grow up- it will take several days, maybe even a couple of weeks, but she will get it... and your life will be so much more peaceful! Good luck
2007-08-01 16:01:25 · answer #2 · answered by nanny411 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Definately put a gate up asap. Sit in the bed with her and read a story and tell her it's time for big girls to go to sleep and then just leave the room. She'll lay down and go to sleep. It may take some fit pitching, etc. but in a few days she'll get the picture. Good luck!
2007-08-01 16:04:46 · answer #3 · answered by Christy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I go thru that with my daughter too, except we do have a baby gate up so she can't leave her room by herself ( we have ungated stairs).
On one hand, I know that the children should be able to comfort themselves and fall asleep on their own, but on the other hand, I figure when they are older, they won't want us around as much so I just enjoy my time with her now.
Some nights it can be frustrating though, I understand your problem. I'm afraid the only solution might be to let her "cry it out". It will mean some sleepless nights for you at first, but I've heard it works well. Good Luck!
2007-08-01 15:06:43 · answer #4 · answered by bigsis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would put a gate just in case. Other thing what you can do is maybe to make the afternoon naps shorter, so she would be really tired by the time she goes to sleep. Or because she is a big girl, try to read to her instead of laying next to her. She should get over this now, because later it will just get harder. Good luck!!
2007-08-01 15:09:04 · answer #5 · answered by Adrienn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not just your hair wrapped around her finger! She is calling the shots and you're obeying.
You need to talk to her about where she is supposed to sleep. Read to her and rock/cuddle her for a few minutes. Establish a nighttime routine. Put her to bed and close the door. Lock her door and yours. She will cry and kick up a fuss, but eventually she will go to sleep. When she comes to your room, gently but firmly escort her back to her own bed. You will both have a few sleepless nights, but then she will settle into the new routine.
2007-08-01 15:04:42 · answer #6 · answered by Patsy A 5 · 5⤊ 2⤋
I am going thru almost the same thing with my daughter. I hope you can find a solution for this. If something works let me know.. I will do the same for you too
2007-08-01 15:01:14 · answer #7 · answered by Mrs Florek 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋