Marlee has started a bad habit of waking up in the middle of the night and coming into our bedroom. In the beginning, we would instantly take her back to bed. This could happen several times in one night. Slowly, Chad and I let her crawl in bed and cuddle for a bit, then we would take her back once she fell back asleep. Now this is happening almost every night.
A few weekends back, Chad and I were talking to her about the importance of staying in her own bed at night. Of course she asked why. Our reply was our bed just isn't big enough for 3 people. She said Chad and I could roll over and make a spot for her right in the middle. How could we argue with that? She's got reasoning 101 down. LOL
So the problem is, do I follow my head and continue to put her back in her bed or follow my heart and enjoy cuddling with my daughter? I worry that she's not getting quality sleep at night because she's waking up. I know how important sleep is for her especially since she doesn't take naps anymore. On the other hand, I know one day soon she won't want to lay in bed and cuddle with us at all.
What's a mother to do?!?! Have you had any experience with this? Strategies? Tips?
3 comments:
Ryan did this same thing the whole 9 months I was pregnant with Chase. At first we moved him immediately back to his bed...but the more tired I was the less likely I became to move him. But the problem was I wasn't getting any sleep. With the other kids they only came in if they had a bad dream...but Ryan quickly made a habit of it once he realized I wouldn't take him back to his room. So I decided that if he was going to come in he had to bring a pillow and blanket and sleep on the floor. Actually he found a sleeping bag and started putting it in my room before he went to bed so all he had to do was bring his pillow. Once he realized he wasn't allowed to wake mommy and daddy or get in our bed the habit changed. He still likes to come in occasionally but it is more like once a month instead of everynight. So maybe let her know she can't wake you and make a bed on the floor. I make a special snuggle time for him before he goes to bed he's allowed to sleep in my bed until Chase falls asleep and then I take him to his room by 8:30...so we still get in the snuggles but mommy is much happier sleeping now:)
Oh, I like the above suggestion of a special bed on the floor - what a neat idea.
She doesn't do it much, but we always send Charlotte back to her bed if it's before 7am. If it's after 7am, she can come in and snuggle. I just find that the more tired I am, the worse of a mother I am - not just to her, but to Bennett too and that's not fair.
That works for us - hopefully you can find something that works for both your head and your heart!
Danielle, I love that idea! We will have to try that.
Liz, a lot of the time I don't even hear Marlee come in anymore. She use to stand at the side of the bed and talk to me, but now she just crawls in bed and falls right back asleep. Her time ranges from midnight to 5 am.
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