We've been having major issues with Lexi at bed time. We cannot get her to stay in her bed. Last night it took us about 2 1/2 hours to get her to sleep. We put her in her bed & 2 seconds later she was out again. Punishments did not work, a stuffed animal or baby didn't work, closing the door or blocking the door... We are out of ideas. As you can see from the picture she finally crashed... just not in her bed. I wish it was as easy as putting up a gate, but she just climbs over anything in her way. I'm up for any suggestions... we are going crazy!
7 comments:
I watched a super nanny where they had the same problem and the mom literally had to put him in his room about 70 times before he stayed in. It took a few days and he was able to get it. Maybe consistently doing what you are doing, and never letting up once, she will eventually get that you aren't going to give in. I think they also made sure that you don't say anything, once you initially say that it is bed time.Just lead her back to her room without saying a word. I just alwasy repeat it's bedtime every tiem and lead AJ back. I know with Aj he will say anything just to argue and then it always something. He gets attitude every few weeks and pulls this. If you don't have a routine, that may help too. Bath, stories, prayers, song...and maybe some primary music playing as she falls asleep. I think the kids jsut know it's bedtime and relax when they hear their music. It's not fair that once we figure out how to get the infant to sleep through the night we have to deal with toddlers escaping. Rob says Cheyenne is ready for a bed, and I think the crib is the only way I am going to keep that girl in her room:)
Been there done that! Actually, it sometimes took Jeff or me laying by their bed to get them to stay put and then they just outgrew the problem once they knew we weren't giving in. It does take a lot of patience and work to do it though. With Shelby, it took a twin bed since she didn't sleep well in the todler bed. Sydni was fine once we got her to understand it was bedtime. Good luck! It's possible and they do grow up way too fast!
Do you still have that sleep book that I gave you? It has some tips in there. That's all I know. I haven't tried again with Abby because the first experience was so bad. Good luck!! No fun.
It is a difficult thing to do. There were moments that I just wanted to quit my job. I thought it just wasn't worth all the mental stress. Hang in there. Consistency is the key. I know it's hard, but don't respond to her when she gets out of bed. Like Tiffanie said, tell her it's time for bed, take her by the hand...don't hold her... and put her in bed and tell her good night. The next time you take her, don't say anything to her except for good night. Then all the other times you take her, don't say anything at all...don't look her in the eye, etc. Do all the singing, reading, cuddling, etc. when it's initially bed time. It will take some consistancy and it will feel like forever. But it does work. She needs to know that she doesn't get attention by acting this way. You're doing great! Good luck!
I am sorry that it is so hard right now. I don't have any additional advice, I agree with what has already been said. Just letting you know that you are not alone. She'll get it. Hang in there. Love ya
Oh Aub! I am so sorry! Sometimes our job is more than we think we can do! When Ben went through this phase I thought I would die of frustration. What worked for us was keeping his door shut. He doesn't like the dark so if he got up, we would put a towel over the top of the door and he couldn't get out. It was a reward to have light. Now it is the same thing except he has a night light by his bed and if he gets up I take it. I've only had to take it once and that was a long while ago.
The other thing that helps is like everyone else said, be consisitent, decide what your bedtime routine is and stick to it. The worste was when we would cut a story, forget a drink or song and then he would ask for it. Don't cut corners, do the same thing every night.
Good luck, seriously that is so hard! You are a great mom!
am i suppose to write a novel too?!? I just wanted to say how cute I think that picture is!!! It's tough to be a little girl!
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