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4 year old sleep issues?

Allie-JoAllie-Jo member
in Pre-School and Daycare

Hi Ladies!  I am visiting from TTCAL but I have a question here about my nephew.  When he was born my stubborn and hot tempered sister was only 18.  She flew the coup fairly soon and signed over custody to my parents.  My mother is a SAINT trying to give him some consistency even though she is knee deep still raising my 16 year old brother and my father having an overnight job.  My sister has since taken semi responsibility of her son by having him on the weekends and she is also full time raising her 2nd son (if you can call staying at home all day and living on food stamps because you don't want to work raising a child).

Lately since my 4 year old nephew has been in pre-school this year his temper has gotten SO MUCH WORSE!  According to my mother he puts my sister when she was 4 to shame.  Not only is he sassing back a lot more and fighting everything he has been getting into a lot of trouble at school/daycare/home for hitting and kicking.  I say its because my sister and my mom parent so different and he has no consistency between the two.  My mom says its been way worse the past few weeks in which his sleep has been erratic (waking up in the in the middle of the night and not staying asleep).  Is there anything you can give to a 4 year old to help the sleep and stay sleeping?  She said she did research and there is a toddlers melatonin but I almost feel that wouldn't be safe.  Or do you agree with me that the temper or even the lack of sleep is the issue here?  Any help you can give I would love! TIA!

Allie

TTC since June 2009 DX: PCOS October 2010
6 medicated cycles, 2 pregnancies, 1 ectopic April 2011, Early Miscarriage August 2011
7 more cycles, 1 IUI, No success after last pregnancy
7/1/2012 No more fertility coverage
8/17/2012 started pursuing domestic infant adoption!
11/26/2012 HOME STUDY APPROVED!!!
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When relaxing didn't work is my new blog!
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Re: 4 year old sleep issues?

  • jlw2505jlw2505 member
    Sounds to me like some counseling for your mom and your sister and you might help.  Not trying to sound rude or anything but the anger/frustration in your post towards your sister is not healthy.  She has made choices that are yours - focus on your nephew and don't worry so much about your sister.  In regard to the behavior, your nephew at age 4 is very aware of what is going on around him and yes, everything you describe could very well be a part of his behavior issues.  4 year olds test and test and test some more.  He is figuring out what he can get away with and finding that its different with mom and grandma and since they are not on the same page - that could be an issue.  Since you can't fix mom, grandma needs to be consistent with her rules and she can try and talk to your sister but I get the feeling it won't make a difference.  Melatonin is safe and it will help him fall asleep, it will not keep him from waking up in the middle of the night although my older DD does sleep more soundly for the whole night when she takes it.  I would talk to his ped in regard to the whole situation and see what the ped recommends.
    Jenni Mom to DD#1 - 6-16-06 DD#2 - 3-13-08 
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