How to make a 3-year old girl sleep on time at night?

Question

Okay. I am a part-time babysitter. I really love this kid because she is so adorable but putting her to sleep is such a chore! She obeys me and i'm grateful for that. But when it's time to go to bed, she always comes up with reasons not to sleep like: "I want my mommy." "I don't like my bed." "There is a monster outside." "I'm not tired/sleepy" "I hate the dark."

I don't want to come to the point that i have to scold her because i can't. Her mother told me i have to be firm on the kid but i don't want the kid to hate me. What should i do??? Please help me. Thanks!

Answer 1

I agree with Andrea J and all the things she suggested.  A bedtime routine is good because it prepares them for going to bed rather than just "Ok, it's time for bed!!"  If you tell them "we're going to do such and such and after that it's time to go to bed," you are giving them a chance to warm up to the idea.

Instead of being stern, try the "I'm going to have to tell your mom if you keep giving me trouble" tactic.  That threat usually keeps kids in line.  You do have to follow through, though, and tell her mom if she gives you trouble after that.    

Answer 2

No one can go to sleep unless they are sleepy.  Try it.  Wear her out by taking her swimming, running or some other exercize.

Answer 3

Don't scold the little one. If you scold her, then she will most likely dislike you and not want you to babysit her. It is a normal stage in a three year old not to sleep alone in the dark. Try to lay with her if you can. Does her mom allow movies? That helps allot of toddlers sleep. Maybe a disney princess movie or something. Not Sleeping Beauty or Snow White. Those two have scary scenes that may freak her out more. Also see if she can tell her mommy good night on the phone. That may help as well. Just remember, children won't sleep unless they're sleepy.  

Answer 4

She will still like you the next time you come. Sounds to me like you're a pushover. When she says these things, you say, "Mommy will be home soon, you have an awesome bed and it's safe, and your body's tired even if your brain is not." Don't put up with any of her c**p, leave the room and close the door. If she cries for ten minutes, she cries for ten minutes. Not a big deal--especially if the mom says not to put up with it.  

Answer 5

You need to establish a bedtime ritual so that she slowly winds down from the day.  Try a warm bath, and then read her a story.  Let her pick out the book.  If she still isn't sleepy, give her a coloring book and crayons and tell her if she can't fall asleep, she still has to stay in her bed, but she can color or read a book.  You have to be firm, or she will try to get away with whatever she can - that's simply what kids do.

Answer 6

Guess what... You have to be firm. My step-son plays the same games when his daddy is not home and that is EVERY night.

So.. The easiest thing to do is quell her fears that is make them go away..

Ask the mother to put in a night light. Put on a cartoon (her second favorite) to watch as she falls asleep. Lay down with her until she goes to sleep.

Or if you can get the mothers permission.. Let her lay on the couch until she goes to sleep then put her in her bed.

Talk with the mom about this. She may have other ideas as well. It may be that she just wants to make sure her mom gets home..

Good Luck!!!!

Answer 7

Does she go to bed for mom? If not then it probably won't be different for you - but if she does, then try to come over one night when mom is home and watch their routine. It could also be that she goes to bed too late and is missing her sleepy time and perhaps getting over tired. Try putting her to bed a bit earlier. Also, make sure she has some quiet time about a half hour before bed. If you are playing games and then immediately try to put her to sleep she will be too excited still.

Good luck though - my son is also 3, and we have been working on this for 4 months now trying different things. It is very frustrating for sure!!!

Answer 8

Those are all very good tips.  My fiance`s daughter is 3 now also.  Before even mentioning "bedtime" she always beats us to it says "I'm not going ni-night".  We just say "not yet, but very soon", in a calm, but firm voice.  We usually are pretty busy, and she has lots of play time in the evening with us or her cousins.  After all of that, we give her a bath, she relaxes and plays with her bath toys.  I usually try to spend some time helping her relax after the bath by combing and drying her hair, putting lotion on her arms and legs, and by that time she's all relaxed from the long day.  We grab her favorite blankie and baby, put her in bed, close the door, and usually she's sleeping within 10 minutes.  If she argues, we just stay calm but firm with "yes, it is time for bed".  If she does put up a fight (tends to happen when she gets really tired!) we just say, "you don't need to go to sleep, but you do need to be in bed".  She will usually be sleeping in a couple minutes after that:)

You are the adult in the situation, and you do make the rules.  You don't need to scold her, but speak calmly, but firmly, and follow through with what you tell her.  Good Luck!

Answer 9

Maybe she's getting too riled up right before bedtime. How about trying some calmer activities? Do you give her a bath or have her parents already done that by the time you get there? I'd suggest bath, comb her hair to relax her, read her a story, etc. She'll probably still come up with excuses - that's typical for a 3 yo. Listen to what she says, assure her that everything is fine and tell her firmly that it's bedtime now.