Author Topic: I need a plan....  (Read 985 times)

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happy mommy

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I need a plan....
« on: November 08, 2005, 23:25:58 pm »
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« Last Edit: January 08, 2007, 07:26:37 am by happy mommy »

Offline sacmommy

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I need a plan....
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2005, 04:25:19 am »
OK, I have had some of these problems with my now 4-yr-old, who also isn't the best sleeper in the world. Although we never did any co-sleeping with him, he has often gotten up in the night to bug us, sometimes over and over until we're crazy. Within a few months of moving him to a regular bed at 2 1/2 yrs, he figured out that he could get up and then naps and bedtime went out the window.

We've always had a consistent routine of bath, books, bed, since he was a baby. But despite what the experts say, that just wasn't working anymore. Also, we tried the silent return to sleep - putting him back in bed with no words every time he got up - but honestly, I counted, and he would get up 80+ times!!!!

So our solution after much reading, many headaches, and tons of frustration was to implement "sleep rules." These have been in effect for over a year, and we still need them if you can believe it! We continue with our bedtime routine. If ds follows the sleep rules (stay in bed at bedtime and all night, no getting up), he gets a treat (cookie, piece of candy, whatever). If he doesn't follow the rules, no treat. And we're very strict on no treat, otherwise it doesn't work. We're a little lenient on him getting up maybe 1 time at bedtime, and if he gets up at night but goes right back to sleep, then that's ok. But if he gets up at either time over and over then he forfeits the treat.

What I learned through this very frustrating process is that kids respond differently. Perhaps the silent return to sleep works for some, but for my son it became a game.

Hope this helps!
Rose
Karina - Jan 24, 2004
Calvin - Sept 23, 2001

Offline jessica and emilys mummy

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I need a plan....
« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2005, 15:37:32 pm »
I would suggest a star chart
If you go to
http://www.dltk.com

You both can find one he likes and print it off.Then he can choose some stickers that he likes for good nights,and get some sad faces for not so good nights.

Put it up somewhere he wants to so that it's all ds's idea.Before bed tell ds that he can have 2 (or what you feel is best) books,1 piece of toast?(may help hunger)half cup water/juice,then bed,
If he stays in bed then he can put a 'good' sticker on the chart.If he gets up more than 3? times (again however many you feel) he will get a sad face.
If he gets 3 in a row then he can choose a treat again whatever you both decide on).
Start with 3 in a row for as long as you want,them 4,then 5 etc.
Also if it's dark in his room I would suggest some kind of low lights
We tried a night light,but it gave big shadows in the room and J was scared stiff.We now have fluffy fairy lights.

Good luckx
Sarah-aka Dorfus Rhinofanny
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