ChristusG Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 A little over a week ago I wrote a post about how absolutely horrendous bedtime was with our 5 year old DD. That post is here. We had tried everything. So I decided to try a combination of things. We wanted to keep her in our room, but in her own bed, like we've been trying to do. We also wanted her to go to bed at a decent time on the nights that we are home at that time (ideally around 8:30). And we wanted no screaming, yelling, crying, backtalking, calling me 100 times, etc! So here's what I decided to do....we had previously tried letting her sit in bed and look at books, color, or listen to an audiotape. But the thing was, she would NEVER lay down to go to sleep. And when she became bored with whatever she was doing, she would start calling, crying, etc. So I'm allowing her to sit IN HER BED for 30 minutes. I set a timer. She can bring whatever she wants to bring in there with the exception of the portable DVD player. She can look at books, play Leapster, play the DS, color, draw, whatever. When the timer beeps at 30 minutes, I told her that she must slide everything under her bed, cover herself up, lay down, and go to sleep. I also sit a quarter beside her bed. If she stays in bed that night without calling me or crying or anything, she gets to keep the quarter in the morning. Enough quarters and she can buy something. This is night six...........and every.single.night has been WONDERFUL. Happy, happy, joy, joy LOL!!! And the great thing is, this works on the nights when she gets in bed at 8 PM.....and it also works on the nights that we may not get her in bed till 11 PM. I will phase the quarter thing out eventually, but for now, .25 cents per night of peace is WELL worth it to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitilin Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 Congratulations on creative and effective action! Well done!:party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 I'm so happy to hear the good news! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BikeBookBread Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 YAY YAY YAY!!!!!! Thanks for the wonderful update!!!!:party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 A little over a week ago I wrote a post about how absolutely horrendous bedtime was with our 5 year old DD. That post is here. We had tried everything. So I decided to try a combination of things. We wanted to keep her in our room, but in her own bed, like we've been trying to do. We also wanted her to go to bed at a decent time on the nights that we are home at that time (ideally around 8:30). And we wanted no screaming, yelling, crying, backtalking, calling me 100 times, etc! So here's what I decided to do....we had previously tried letting her sit in bed and look at books, color, or listen to an audiotape. But the thing was, she would NEVER lay down to go to sleep. And when she became bored with whatever she was doing, she would start calling, crying, etc. So I'm allowing her to sit IN HER BED for 30 minutes. I set a timer. She can bring whatever she wants to bring in there with the exception of the portable DVD player. She can look at books, play Leapster, play the DS, color, draw, whatever. When the timer beeps at 30 minutes, I told her that she must slide everything under her bed, cover herself up, lay down, and go to sleep. I also sit a quarter beside her bed. If she stays in bed that night without calling me or crying or anything, she gets to keep the quarter in the morning. Enough quarters and she can buy something. This is night six...........and every.single.night has been WONDERFUL. Happy, happy, joy, joy LOL!!! And the great thing is, this works on the nights when she gets in bed at 8 PM.....and it also works on the nights that we may not get her in bed till 11 PM. I will phase the quarter thing out eventually, but for now, .25 cents per night of peace is WELL worth it to me. That is brilliant! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyWImom Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 I'm thrilled for you! I know how it is when the dc have sleep issues. My dd has had problems in the past, most relating to being scared to be in her room alone. We are going through a "good" period right now, and it's soooo great. Enjoy the peace.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyndie Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 Hooray! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Alte Veste Academy Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 happy, joy, joy LOL!!! .25 cents per night of peace is WELL worth it to me. Amen. :lol: That is great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 Gee I wonder if bribery will work on my ds;) There have been a couple of things liking blurting out in co-op class that I have been working on to little avail:( It never occurred to me to try money. What do you think? I am glad that it is working for you:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coleroo Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 WOW! What a terrific idea! :) :) :) Yay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber in AUS Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 That is great news. Thanks for the update. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneC Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 Fantastic, I might have to try this myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 That's wonderful!!! We are dealing with bedtime woes with our youngest who will be 3 in March... I wonder if he could understand your plan? :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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