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brinaroze1
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Toddler routines
brinaroze1
member
I'm posting this here, because I feel comfortable with this group of moms. I don't know if I should really be posting a new thread on this subject, but here goes...
I have to say, first of all, that I work in retail. I work part-time, between 20 and 24 hours, on average. While I usually have Saturdays off, because I'm unavailable (no daycare), I don't know what my work schedule is going to be one week to the next. Some weeks I work mostly days. Then the schedule changes and I'm back to evenings, which can be as late as 11pm. I can't do a whole lot to limit the hours I'm available, because it will change my status for health insurance. The more limitations I put on my availability, the less hours they have to give me. If I work under 20 hours a week, I lose my insurance for the month- which is really the MAIN reason I stay with my company.
Because of my messed up work schedule, my two-year-old is a night owl. I have only had her on a "routine" for about six months last year. Our vacation and an unexpectedly hot summer, altered our sleeping arrangements, and she shares my bed now. I would really like to get her back in her crib, and on more of a routine. I just feel like it's such a traumatic issue for her. Last night, she fell asleep on my lap so I put her in the crib. She woke up a little after midnight, screaming, and didn't stop for nearly an hour.
She is also teething and miserable.
We live with my parents, and my mom babysits while I'm at work. My mother would like me to work in the evenings, so she can have her days free. If I'm working till 11pm, though, my mom would have to put DD to sleep at night. I guess that's not a big deal if she's sleeping in the crib. I worry about messing with her, and making her feel like she's being punished in the crib. But I also need her out of my bed soon, sleeping and waking at a decent time.
I have to say, first of all, that I work in retail. I work part-time, between 20 and 24 hours, on average. While I usually have Saturdays off, because I'm unavailable (no daycare), I don't know what my work schedule is going to be one week to the next. Some weeks I work mostly days. Then the schedule changes and I'm back to evenings, which can be as late as 11pm. I can't do a whole lot to limit the hours I'm available, because it will change my status for health insurance. The more limitations I put on my availability, the less hours they have to give me. If I work under 20 hours a week, I lose my insurance for the month- which is really the MAIN reason I stay with my company.
Because of my messed up work schedule, my two-year-old is a night owl. I have only had her on a "routine" for about six months last year. Our vacation and an unexpectedly hot summer, altered our sleeping arrangements, and she shares my bed now. I would really like to get her back in her crib, and on more of a routine. I just feel like it's such a traumatic issue for her. Last night, she fell asleep on my lap so I put her in the crib. She woke up a little after midnight, screaming, and didn't stop for nearly an hour.
She is also teething and miserable.
We live with my parents, and my mom babysits while I'm at work. My mother would like me to work in the evenings, so she can have her days free. If I'm working till 11pm, though, my mom would have to put DD to sleep at night. I guess that's not a big deal if she's sleeping in the crib. I worry about messing with her, and making her feel like she's being punished in the crib. But I also need her out of my bed soon, sleeping and waking at a decent time.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Toddler routines
My ds has more of a routine then a scheduale. First there is supper and following supper there is bath time if he needs it. Hell play in the bath as long as i let him and ill let him play till he gets cold. Then i get him out change him into pajamas take him downstairs to play with his toys for about an hour. Once he starts getting tired we read two or three books then go up to bed.
He cuddles with his mickey while we do the bounce and sway and i sing him songs.
As far as what i sing. It varries, we always do jesus loves me, stile nicht, and once upon a dream. I sing anything that comes to mind as long as its slow and relaxing.
Ds does sleep with me or if im at work and dont make it back to my parents house after work due to bad roads b sleeps with my parents.
Could you try something for your dd to snuggle with. When b was real young probably 6 months till 14 months he had a small stuffes monkey named coconut that he would sleep with and id wear in my shirt so the monkey smelled like me. You could always try that.
Not sure how old your LO is, but couldyou transition to a toddler bed? Maybe chalk it up as a big exciting thing, to motivate her to stay in her own space?
As far as your hours at work go- there doesn't seem to be much you can do about that right now, so it sounds like you have a good arrangement with your mom helping you out. I could maybe see this being more of an issue as LO gets older and has to go to school (meaning wake up early and be on a schedule).
BFP 1- EDD 2/09/11 Missed MC DX @11 weeks D&C- 7/25/10 BFP 2- EDD 12/22/11 Natural MC @ 5w 2d BFP 3- EDD 1/25/12 DD Josephine born 1/16/12
Throwing leaves
Routine is the key and not so much schedule. Someone asked me when is The Lil Emperor's bedtime, I always say between 830-10pm. And that is even when he is with the nanny (I work some late hours sometimes as well).
When I am off at a decent hour, it normally goes like this... about 7, 730 dinner (if the nanny hasnt fed him), 8pm bath time if he really needs it, jammies on, start dimming the lights in the house about 830, nightly pediasure, 9pm episode of Octonauts, switch on the lullaby station and lay together on the couch until he is sleep or until he fights it too much or when I fall asleep.
For the past week, DD has been doing much better. She's still in my bed, though, and I've resigned myself to the fact that that may not change any time soon. I'm gonna take her crib apart and store it. It's the kind that will transition to a toddler bed, so maybe I'll put it back together when she's a little older.
My parents and I switched rooms, so I have the Master bedroom downstairs and they each have their own room upstairs. (Ha ha. They both snore, so they sleep better separated.) In the evening, my parents go upstairs around 9. That has helped a ton, because my mom watches TV really loudly. I usually turn the living room TV off after they go upstairs, and it's pretty quiet so DD relaxes easier. We play quietly or read books for a while, get ready for bed, and then I turn the lights off.
The times that we're going to bed have varied, but what you all said is true- it really is more about the routine. I also learned I just have to be more strict about bedtime. She has thrown fits, but I don't give in and eventually she tires herself out. Thanks again for all the advice!