Re: two kids who go to sleep late(help)

Posted by meritt on April 03, 2003 at 09:13:08:

In Reply to: two kids who go to sleep late(help) posted by ???? on April 02, 2003 at 00:53:23:

Hi...

I'm concerned about this because your 3 year old should NOT be up that late. As Mommy, it's your job to make sure your child is healthy and happy, and instilling a decent sleep pattern is crucial to their healthy development. In another 1 1/2 years your child will be going to Kindergarten so you really need to get a handle on this now.

Yes you do need to force your child to go to bed. But since she is used to 1:am you'll probably want to do it in steps. Tonight put her to bed at 11:pm. Tell her she may lay on her bed quietly and play with a toy (in the dark... light off!) but of course have a nightlight or leave the door open 1/2 way so she has light and won't be scared. She also may use that as an excuse because she knows it works on you - even if she really isn't scared. Children are GREAT at manipulation skills... ;)

Then - wake her up at 10:am tomorrow morning.

By that evening she'll be sleepy - so move the bedtime to 10:pm.

The next morning; wake at 10:am again.

That evening - 10:pm bedtime.

Next morning: 9:30 am.

Slowly but surely make her bedtime around 8:pm and waking at a normal 8:am.

There are a lot of other ways to do it - but the idea is basically that you'll have to be more strict in your parenting skills because a 3 year old should not be mandating when she will be sleeping, especially when she sleeps until the afternoon.

The baby will probably be on a better sleep pattern by 6 weeks... most do if the parents help the baby in that matter to. Remember; low lights when the baby wakes. Do not turn on the regular room lights - keep everything dark and quiet... feed and change the baby and put him/her back to sleep. Let them know that night time is quiet, dark, and relaxed. Day time is for singing, laughing, bright lights and 'awake' time. This will help... but the baby won't get on track at all if you continue the schedule you and the 3 year old are already on.

I wish you the best of luck... I know the sleeplessness of those first few weeks are horrible. *smile*

Follow Ups:

• Re: two kids who go to sleep late(help) Tammy 13:19:18 4/03/03 (0)

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