My Children act like going to bed is punishment, even when they clearly need a nap!
My son believes that bedtime should be on his time. He loves to sleep, but only when he feels like it. I've found my son up late at night pulling all the toys out of the box.
My daughter will cry and pout about the betrayal of being sent to bed, and then she will whimper "No, no night night." She truly is an act to see she can go from heartbroken to happy within seconds. She can get a little dramatic when it's time for bed, but most days she doesn't last ten minutes before she's sleepy. Sometimes, they both like to switch up and not even sleep in their beds. Some mornings I wake up and find them in their closet, toy box, or living room floor. No point in me tucking these two in they more than likely won't sleep there.. Sometimes I wish we could all go stretch out on the couch, and just fall asleep watching a movie or two , but they'll thank me one day.
I loathe with all my heart putting them to bed, but once my babies are sleeping, it's pretty great! Once they're ready for bed I tell them that I love them, and even if they're mad and don't want to go to bed they still tell me they love me in return. It's different if my kids are out or have gone visiting a relative. There's nothing more comforting than having them in bed (or wherever they decide to sleep) safe at night.
Then the house goes silent.
There are no background noises to disturb you, just what you're doing.
And then... Peace of mind kicks in. = )
Dont worry, all kids give a hard time when it's time to go to sleep. Once they get into a routine, things will get much easier. I think they are afraid to go to sleep because they are afraid that they are going to miss something while they are sleeping. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo true I catch my daughter in the most random spots. They'll both obviously be tired, and still don't want to go to sleep.
DeleteIt is not only single parent,we have the same problem and sometimes it is whose turn is it:). They are getting all the attention and want to be in everything. very true what Tough Cookie Mommy says.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by Tough Cookie Mommy!
My 4 year old has been doing the same thing lately. Have you tried a reward chart? I will be posting how I have been dealing with this and other issues by way of a reward chart tomorrow if you want to check it out. www.leahinspired.com
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if they're old enough to understand a chart yet. We have been sticking with a routine to help keep me active, and when it's time to go to bed they do wind down. It's just getting them to stay there.
DeleteOh gosh, they're so super-cute! All I can say is hang on and keep the limits in place. My three are teens now. "Bedtime" is a thing of the past. They are allowed to switch their light off whenever they want, but they MUST get up on time. They're learning...
ReplyDeleteThanks Columba,
DeleteYou made it pass the baby phase congrats, and kudos to you for raising three teens! Uhhh... I don't think I even want to imagine my kids without a bed time. They are both night owls.
Trust me, bedtime gets easier. I used to have those problems with my son, but once he hit 3 and started preschool, he was pretty pooped at the end of the day. Sometimes my son will lay awake for a while before going to bed, but he knows not to get out of his bed once I've finished the bedtime story and I've turned out the lights.
ReplyDelete