Okay so I did the totally wrong thing. The thing they tell you NEVER to do. Yep I did it. I lay down at night with my 5 year olds and have since the beginning. So, basically, I really don't mind that I have to lay down with them for them to go to sleep. However, it's the night wakings that are bothering me. When they wake, they come to find me and I get up and go in their bed and wait for the next one to come find me. Now one of mine doe sleep most nights in his own bed by himself but my other two...

I'm finding that I don't get a whole night's sleep. I'm tired, cranky and exhausted. PLUS, my 2 kids are tired, cranky and exhausted from waking all night. Any advice on how I can get them to not wake? Are they not getting into that deep sleep. Seriously one wakes about every hour.

Is there a natural medicine that will keep them asleep? Not meaning I want to drug my kids but some people use melatonin to get their kids to sleep, but does it help them stay asleep?

Any help on getting them to stay asleep or even GO to sleep on their own would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ann

BBG born 7/7/03
33 weeks 3 days

I don't know Ann. I can tell you that after mine got out of crib tents, I laid with one DD for a year and a half for EVERY SINGLE NAP. One day I just quit doing it. I think at five, they are old enough to talk frankly to. That's what I do. I'd set them down and simply say, "Here's the deal guys. Mommy isn't going to lay with you anymore. You are five now. You are BIG kids. So here's how we are going to do it now. I'm going to come in and kiss you goodnight and shut off the light and you guys are going to go to sleep just like big kids. Doesn't that sound GREAT?"

Then I would stay firm and repeat the routine over and over and I would push the big kid angle. My kids are all about being big kids now and don't want to be considered "babies".

As far as the getting up thing, I have told mine this, "Mommy isn't getting up with you at night. You are big kids now and if you need to go to the bathroom, just GO. Turn the light off when you are done and get back in bed. Do NOT come and wake me up. Do you know how Mommy gets mean and cranky sometimes? That's because when you wake me up, I get tired. Tired Mommies get cranky and unhappy. So you guys need to stay in your bed and not wake me up. Okay?"

And it worked. The only reason I know they've been up is because they leave the light on in the bathroom. I think you really need to talk to them about it and tell them you are done.

Michele
Sarah, Gregory, Amanda
born 1/22/04 at 35w1d

Our surprise baby Austin born 06/15/2005

www.fourtimesthefun.blogspot.com

You're so right! After the night I had last night I just feel like crying. Plus DH works 24 hour shifts (fireman) with lots of OT and so the nights are mostly mine. I just cannot function.

I'm gonna do it! Wish me luck!

Oh forgot to add - one DS is autistic, not sure if he'll go for it. He is the worst offender too!

Ann

BBG born 7/7/03
33 weeks 3 days

I am the nanny of triplets. I have a 5 year old daughter that I "put to sleep" until the age of 3 1/2 years old. Yes, I laid in the bed with her or she slept with me in mine. However, when I moved in with my boyfriend, that wasn't really working out too well. My advice is night lights, and mentally preparing yourself for the heart break of it. It's a challenge. BUT, They are perfectly capable of going to sleep on their own. It's just going to take about a week of letting them cry themselves to sleep, and being very CONSISTENT in putting them back in their own beds, and walking away. It's very difficult, very exhausting, but very worth it. There's no easy way to break this habit. You are going to feel horrible and guilty when they are crying, but once you get them into the routine of going to bed by themselves, they will also sleep through the night. They are waking up to look for you. If you are no longer catering to their want of you in their bed, they will have no reason to be waking and getting up. If and when they do wake up, you simply take them back to their room, tuck them in, and go back to bed. The more you talk to them about it, the more you are getting suckered. It's not something to explain. They go to sleep on their own, after a bedtime story, hugs, and kisses. Talking about it and explaining yourself gets you nowhere, because they are getting what they want; you in their bedroom longer. It's hard, but you can do it!!! Just keep telling yourslef it only takes a week or so. Then you will all sleep peacefully, will be rested, AND you get some extra YOU time. Good luck!!!

Thank you. The more I ask, the dumber I feel. Of course I just have to let them do it by themselves! It will be hard, but it will have to be done. I hope I can do it. I HAVE to do it. I have no free time at all and I'm exhausted. It is also better for them where they do not have to depend on me for sleep. They are exhausted too!

Ann

BBG born 7/7/03
33 weeks 3 days

You can do it! We will all be pulling for you here!

Michele
Sarah, Gregory, Amanda
born 1/22/04 at 35w1d

Our surprise baby Austin born 06/15/2005

www.fourtimesthefun.blogspot.com