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won a sleep battle with DD (re: toddler sleep)

momofoliviamomofolivia
in Attachment Parenting

DD has always been a poor sleeper.  She insists we sit in her room's chair until she falls asleep (20-45 minutes).  As FT working parents, that's really hard to manage.  So DH offered the dog instead and that was fine, but the dog wasn't happy.

So last night, I just told her step-by-step what was going to happen (lay her down, cover her up with blanket, go out to the living room).  I just repeated it over again until she agreed to lay down and let me leave.  She wanted the door open for the first time, and I think that helped her feel not so alone (she could hear DH and I in the living room).

It was amazing that we didn't have to just leave her in there screaming (DH's solution) or sit in the chair or isolate the dog.  I was able to just talk her through it and she was fine.  DH did it as well when she woke at 3am and it worked then too.

Just an idea for poor toddler sleepers!

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Re: won a sleep battle with DD (re: toddler sleep)

  • MrsAmersMrsAmers
    My favorite thing about toddlers is being able to explain things to them!  Great solution and I'm glad you've found an easier bedtime routine.  :-)
    Heather Margaret --- Feb '07 and Todd Eldon --- April '09
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  • 14years14years

    Oh, I can't wait until DS will listen to "reason" and let us do something similar.  That's great!

    And you made me laugh about the dog.  DH has suggested we have our dog go sit with DS when he wakes up very early.  DS seems to just want company, and we figure the pooch may work. :)

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  • moroccojademoroccojade member

    I love that you guys tried the dog!  Better yet?  It WORKED!  lol.  Well, temporarily anyway....  and from the human's perspective.

    I'd be tempted to try this with our girl if we were still in there an hour.  But now she lays down, 3 books, lights out, and I have my laptop with me.  I play some music off of it.  And get some work done or fiddle on the internet.  She's sleeping in 10 minutes.  (She doesn't nap anymore.)  For a while she didn't like me having the computer, but I told her we were a package deal.  If the computer goes, I go.

     Anyway, congrats on this HUGE success.  I know how this issue is freaking Everest.

     

    Daisypath Happy Birthday tickers
    Lilypie - (C6hS)

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  • ljlkmljlkm

    I love all the suggestions in this thread!  I'm definitely going to keep them in mind for what is sure to be an issue in the not-too-distant future. 

    And I'm *dying* over using the dog.  That's just awesome.

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  • Jelliebean1982Jelliebean1982
    I made the dog go to sleep with DD last night.  You are not alone!  (But then the dog left and DD yelled at her for about a minute and went to sleep)  LOL
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