Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is 7 and I sit and read in his room while he falls asleep most nights. If I have something to do, I’ll do it and he’ll be fine with it. It has nothing to do with not doing cry it out, although we didn’t, and everything to do with wanting to be with us. Kids don’t really understand the need for sleep and want to be with the people they love. DS doesn’t need me to fall asleep but he likes it when I am there. I can read or play games in the family room or his room, why not his room?

The day will come when he doesn’t want me there, so I’ll enjoy those moments now.

Well good for you and you perfect life.

How is this helpful at all to ops post?

It is an alternative to the other options that are being offered. Perhaps her kids will stay in bed and fall asleep if Mom sits in their room with them. Mom gets to read a book or play a game, the kids fall asleep, and there is less drama. I consider that a win-win.

Melatonin and consistent routine - also
Make sure the naps aren’t too long

(Been there)

Anonymous wrote:we started bedtime last night at 6, so were probably done with bath and stories etc by 7. Little one definitely napped too late in the day -- big one didnt' nap at all, he did attend two birthday parties though so sugar may have played a role.

Big one could climb out of crib at 18 months -- we did the super nanny method then (oh it may take 10 tries but they'll eventually stay in crib -- the first night after 36 -- 36!-- times of me putting him back in crib and him climbing out, I caved.)

I have never ever met anyone as stubborn as this kid, and he comes from a long line of stubborn people -- myself and DH included.

Wow, 6 pm is extremely early. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to put a wide-awake child to bed. If the little one napped "too late in the day", let's assume he woke up at 3... you're trying to put him in bed with 3 hours wake time? That's like, what you do with an 18 month old.

I'd shift bed time back by at least 1 hour, and give them something to do in their room if they're not tired, but don't allow them to leave.

For the person who suggested child-proof door handles, I don't think it would work at those ages. My 5 year old could work those doorknobs when he was 3. Either remove the doorknobs or install a lock or something.

But actually I feel bad for your kids being locked in their room when they're not tired.

I *may* have just solved my sleep issues with kids the same age. Neither would fall asleep without me either. Mine are in the same room so maybe that makes it a little easier.

I bought them these flashlights off of Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CXSZZ88/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and then told them this is what all the big kids use to go to sleep. I put them to bed a little earlier and let them play with the flashlights (they do light shows, play music and are super easy to use). The flashlights have a timer so eventually shut off.

I told them they can play with the flashlights as long as they stay in bed.

I also hooked up our baby monitor again so I can talk to them through the camera. If they call for me I answer on that and try to convince them to go back to sleep. If they need something like water, I go up briefly, help them with what they need and then leave. I also tell them I will come check on them as soon as they are asleep.

So far it has really worked. I only allow them to play with the flashlights right before they go to sleep so the novelty is still there after 5 days. I think after a week or two they will forget about needing me in the room.

I would say, keep it positive and not like a punishment. Go in and reassure them if they need it but try to get out quickly. Tell them you have a lot to do but will be around if they need you.

Good luck op! Just remember consistency is key (even if they cry a little).. and once they start going to sleep on their own you will feel like a new person!

Anonymous wrote:Simple. Spanking.

come join the 21st century and civilized society when I say spanking does not work.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201802/the-spanking-debate-is-over

Anonymous wrote:DS is 7 and I sit and read in his room while he falls asleep most nights. If I have something to do, I’ll do it and he’ll be fine with it. It has nothing to do with not doing cry it out, although we didn’t, and everything to do with wanting to be with us. Kids don’t really understand the need for sleep and want to be with the people they love. DS doesn’t need me to fall asleep but he likes it when I am there. I can read or play games in the family room or his room, why not his room?

The day will come when he doesn’t want me there, so I’ll enjoy those moments now.

Well good for you and you perfect life.

How is this helpful at all to ops post?

Anonymous wrote:Tuck them in with a story and do not go back in the room. I do not like the idea of putting chlidproof knob covers on an inside bedroom door. What if the child has an emergency or there is a fire? Dumb. Just hold the door shut & play on your phone and do not give in. It'll only take a few nights.

This is what I would do. Hold the door shut so they don’t know it’s an actual power struggle. Just say the door will be closed and not opened again.