Discussion Board: Toddlers and Pre-schoolers

she has been a a big ged for about three weeks now but screams and will continue to get up as soon as i out her into bed for hours and hours its not a issue of not being tired cause she is, she will only go to sleep if im standing in her room or at her doorway where she can see me, im doing it by myself as parner working most of every hr out of the day and im getting stressed about it, trying hard not to take it out on my daughter but this is happening for every sleep i dont know what to do???????d

Hope it's already died down a bit. Transitions are harder on some than others. You might like to try a gentle weaning - easier to do if you only have the one so you have some time. Admittedly this does eat into your adult time at the end of the day but it does work.

Firstly after your stories and cuddles you can just sit in a near by chair and read a story, or sew or whatever quiet hobby you may have. Don't engage in conversation, you can just say 'Its sleep time now honey' and leave it at that. Hopefully your presence will calm her and she'll pop off faster each night. You can move the chair further away from the bed on progressive nights and after a while you can 'pop out to the toilet' - I got that handy hint from Diane Levy! (Actually get most of my stuff from Diane, she's so Great!) Works a treat too, can't argue with needing a wee! Then just do pop ins "Ok honey, thanks for the cuddle, I'll pop back in in a minute to see you, Ok?" and then start lengthening the time between 'pops'. It sounds arduous, but the sound of his crying tore right through me and this way ended up being easier in the long run.

Hard work doing it on your own - I'm a sole parent so I get that.

Maybe you could try making her bed a fun safe place during the day - let her pick the cover and help you make it maybe. A bed rail might make her feel more secure too, mine has been invaluable. It doesn't stop them from coming out, but it does stop midnight 'plops!'

I really feel for you, I well remember those times - felt like a lifetime while it was happening too. I remember standing outside his door thinking "for the love of God will you just Go To Sleep!" Really hard to remain calm when you are dead on your feet too.

Hang on in there, this too shall pass and soon you'll be doing background checks on her boyfriends ;o)

:o)

I hope things are back to normal now, but if not...

If she will only go to sleep with you in the room, sit by her bed and read a book, not necessarily to her, one for you. It will help to pass the time. Start right by her bed, then move the chair away a little every few days. But just sit there. You make her feel safe. Has she got a nightlight?

Both my older boys have issues with the dark. I went to Bunnings adn got a twin pack of the egg shaped ones that turn off when the light goes on or during daylight. They are tinted blue adn cost virtually nothing to run, saved so many nights standing or sitting in their room.

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