Get my daughter to sleep in her room with her sister instead of in my bed
@lilmissperfact2003 (16)
United States
August 20, 2008 6:31pm CST
My Fiance and i have tryed almost everything to get our 3 year old daughter in her own bed.We have no more ideas and weve tryed repeatedly putting back in her bed and ignoring her and it still aint working. Does anyone have any ideas how to relax her before bed.She does have a 1 year old sister that she is kinda jealous of but ive been trying to spend time with her by herself so she wont be jealous,and knows i still love her.She has slept with us since she was born because she had medical problems and we wanted to be sure nothing happened in the night and we couldnt hear.Im asking for help to get my daughter in her own bed.Please let me know your suggestions. Thank you
2 responses
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Boy that will be a difficult habit to break. Although you have tried the putting to bed and ignore thing, how persistent were you really. Did you end up taking her anyway after she got up the 10th time? Did you give up after two days? You have to be stubborn, persistent, and direct, and that for several days in a row. It could take a week before she gets it, and under no circumstances can you let her back into your bed.
I suggest establishing a bedtime routine. Put her to bed a the same time each day, read a book, pray or whatever you prefer, tuck her in, do some cuddling kisses, nothing long, then say good night, turn off the light, close the door and leave the room. If she comes out, simply tell her, it's sleep time, you have to stay in bed. Be firm and direct and definitely don't say anything else, put her back to bed and tuck her in, no hugs, no kisses, nothing. She'll get it. The routine will cue her in on that it's time to sleep. It'll also make her feel safe after a while. But until then she'll cry and kick and wear herself out. It'll take a couple of days and a lot of stamina on your side but you have to break the habit now.
You established the bad habit, you have to break it.
@lilmissperfact2003 (16)
• United States
21 Aug 08
Thank you for responding, See we gave up after about the 10th time.Its hard to let her cry like that.I know she needs to be out of our bed and in her own so i think were are definetly going to start this again tonight.She has a little sister that sleeps in the same room with her, should we let her sleep with us until my oldest falls asleep and then sneak my little one in her own bed?
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I would first try to leave her in the room. If she gets too upset because your older one starts crying, complaining, screaming, you need to remove the little one from the situation until the older one has fallen asleep. You are in for a rough night or more, but she'll get it. Just be persistent and don't give in. Yes, it's heartbreaking, but believe me, it hurts you far more than it does her. Unfortunately, as a parent sometimes you have to be tough. Good luck!
@sunshine4 (8703)
• United States
21 Aug 08
Why don't you get her a radio and play some nice music for her when she goes to bed. Then explain to her that if she stays in her bed all night, she will be rewarded. Make a chart and let her put stickers on the days she stays in her bed. Make it a good experience for her. If she stays in bed one night, make a huge deal of it. Give her small treats ect and do the sticker chart. After staying in bed for a week, take her to the store and let her pick a prize.
