She won't go to bed! Need Help!?

Question

Well I have a three year old daughter called Cyanna.

Each night I put her to bed and read her a story.

But then when I Leave after the story is finished she doesn't want me to go and starts holding on to me and crying. The thing is, I cant stay with her all night because I have 5 other children to read stories to, bath, feed and tuck in. I have tried letting her cry herself to sleep but I have a 3 week old baby who goes to sleep before her and Cyanna just wakes her up. Then I have 2 crying babies. I know that's just one of the things I have to cope with in motherhood and that I should stop complaining, but I am just asking for any advice. Please no stupid responses!

Thank You!

x

Answer 1

Nyquil.

No, seriously, I know it's hard, and there may be a few nights of h**l ahead of you, but you need to have her cry it out.

Basically, it's become a bit of a game of power struggle for her. She's learned from your behavior that you will cave in when she has a big enough tantrum.

Maybe a good old fashioned spanking will help. (I know, I know, people have different views on this, and I'm not talking about child abuse) But, sometimes kids just get themselves so worked up that they're hysterical and it's the only thing that will help.

Other than that, talk with her about it when it's not bedtime. While she's having a snack and happy. This may be because she's not the baby anymore. Maybe she's afraid of the dark. Maybe you need to put her to bed last. Whatever it is, you need to get it through to her that that behavior is unacceptable and she will be punished if it continues.

Good luck with this!  

Answer 2

leaving her to cry does work for some kids but mine used to make herself vomit so we tried this...

Ease her anxiety by telling her you will be back in her room in one minute..go in tell you you love her and will be back in two minutes and leave etc.

We did this over 3 days and we had a terrible first night but by the 2nd she was asleep by 4 minutes.

It has stopped her separation anxiety as she always knows we are coming back in to her and she doesnt need to panic.

Hope this helps.

Read the book " Os course I love you now go to your room"

Answer 3

Give her a REAL reason to cry, no need to cry over little useless things. My girl learned quick, when she cries over sumthing little i ask her if she wants something to cry about and she stops. Just smack her on her butt and cut her off from something she likes for a while. A slap on the hand or butt is not a horrible thing to do, its the way children learn and get punished, for years beyond years  none less.