Saturday, May 17, 2008
I hate bedtime!
Grrr. Bedtime is my new worst enemy right now. Austin is a great sleeper, it's just getting him down that's the hard part. He used to go to bed at 8/8:30 and sleep a good twelve hours. Now, we're lucky if he's asleep by 10:30 and sleeps in until 7-8. It sucks. I am trying to not be the monster mom at bedtime, but it's really really frustrating and I have absolutely zero energy and patience by that time, and then I don't get anything done or have time with my hubby, because I'm grumpy and tired, well emotionally exhausted works too. So, I had given in to spanking for a while there, and that wasn't working--just makes me feel bad, but I was getting really frustrated with the whole take him back to bed thing. I tried holding his door shut (i'm not too comfy with "locking him in"), it worked for a little while, but then someone figured out if they wait long enough, the door can open again. I tried leaving the door open as a reward for staying in bed, which he loves now, but sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. we have a definite routine, stories, snuggle/sing, brush teeth and into bed with his sleepy music. I have decided to really try to just take him back to bed...BUT is it really worth it when last night I took him back to bed over 80 times! Yes, I counted and yes, it really was over 80. I was in tears by the end. The first two times it was a kiss and quick snuggle then back to bed, after that silence. My child is the most stubborn child in the world, I know it! But, we have to get this bedtime thing conquered before the new one comes along, I will not be able to handle both. Any suggestions guys? Also, I need to move bedtime up, I need some down-time to myself and for the new baby. I NEED HELP!!!
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7 comments:
ummm....I'm thinkin you might have to either shorten nap time or maybe even ditch it. I think they say 12 hours total(night and naps) for toddlers? I'm totally curious how he'll do tonight after his shortened nap, you'll have to let me know. I need to follow your good mommy example and get my kids into a night time routine!! Talk to ya later~~~~~~~~~love ya
I love naptime and don't want to ditch it, but I'll give this new thing a week and see how it goes. He's not even getting 12 hours, including the nap right now! Like I said, I'll give it a couple of weeks, see how it goes and go from there. He would have done a lot better tonight, was asleep after 64 times. But, Ray and Lis brought Lauren over and she started to cry, so we're back at over 80 right now, as I type. Tomorrow night will be better, I know it! I didn't know they were bringing her here while we went to Narnia. It's fine, well, it would be except that bedtime is already such a battle right now and anything extra is just...extra.
I agree with Heather try ditching the nap and definitely stick with a bed time routine. Does he get a lot of outside time? I noticed with Riley she sleeps better if we've played outside. I think it zaps their energy. I really don't have much advise though because I'm new at this parenting thing myself. Isn't it frustrating how you have to readjust their schedule after just getting used to the old one.
I am totally against ditching the nap. my kids don't go to sleep if they are over-tired. Who knows what to tell you!!! I would put him down for a nap earlier, and stick to your guns. Kelia did the same stuff, and she finally realized after a couple of nights that we were serious - we'd keep taking her back to bed until she stayed there. I feel for you. Nights can really suck!! Just know that you are a great mom, and you know best what to do with your kid. Don't feel guilty that he cries, don't feel guilty when you get mad! You'll get it!
I have a really great book. It is called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" You are more than welcome to borrow it, but you'll have to be tough! give me a ring if you are interested.
Hey Jen,
I'm the worst ever when it comes to bedtime, but Kendall would go right down when we read to her and then let her watch tv with dad. She's normaly out in 15 min. Then we just throw her in bed. They say not to do this, but it was either that or post her on ebay!! Hope it gets better!!
80 times! Bless you! I think he'll get the idea if you are really consistent! Especially if you and D are on the same page! Good luck... when I was 3, my parents would say, "turn off the TV when you go to bed" and they would go off to sleep. I must have been like Austin.
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