Ok here's the story. Jericho is 23 months old, still breastfeeding and co-sleeping. We have no plans to change this in the near future. He will wean himself when he is ready. He is very active and loves , LOVES, LOVES to play outside.
Every morning he wakes up, goes potty and then brings his shoes and socks. If he could he'd be outside all the time. Usually not a problem. However, it has gotten to where he refuses a nap most days, not a huge deal to me I know some kids give up naps early. The problem is he is definitely ready for bed by 7:30-8 pm and he fights that like heck. Now prior to tonight I have been giving in letting him play longer, letting da play etc.. which I know is just over stimulating him. But after 3 days of refusing naps and staying up 'till close to midnight I decided I had to try something new.
We ate dinner, he was rubbing his eyes so I knew he was tired. After dinner when he got down he ran to the stairs and said "bath". So he took his bath, did his bathroom routine and got ready for bed. That was 7:15 and the war was on. Everytime I tried to continue our routine stories and songs he got off the bed and ran to the door, wanting to go out and pitching a fit when I said no, it's time for bed now. About 7:45 I decided that no matter what I had to keep him on the bed. Now a few times I did let him down because he was yelling "pot pot" (potty) but then he ran to the door so he didn't need to go.
At one point he started saying "bath" and hubby thought I should give him another bath. Initally I was like 'no, I think this is another way for him to stay up trick', but I decided to give it a go. As soon as we entered the hallway he pointed downstairs and said, "down". So I again said no, it's bedtime we'll go down in the morning and the fits started again.
Now all this time I was talking softly (for the most part, I did get irritable a few times and appollogized for doing so), offering stories, songs, cuddles, stroking his back, holding him just anything to try to comfort and reassure him. Finally he patted my pillow and we laid down to nurse. In just minutes he was fast asleep, breathing those heartbreaking sobbing breaths. It was 8:43.
It was almost 11 before those sobs finished and he was slepping peacefully.
My first question is did I do ok? what should I do better?
Hubby, expert that he is ( yes you do detect a ring of sarcassem there) tells me " you need to start making him take a nap arond 1 o'clock rather he wants to or not. Mind you this is the same person who when Jericho pitches a fit about coming inside for a nap or any other reason says, "he doesn't want to ___________ just let him play.
So I'm like exactlly how do you expect me to do that. And he says they make them take naps in Kindergarten. Ok from my experience volunteering at my older boys schools (now 21 and 16) I know a lot of the kids just lay quietly but don't actually nap.
How would I make him nap?
Thoughts, suggestions, ideas anything please.
Thanks,
Malena
I'm no expert, my son is only 6 months old but I do know that if they get tired and dont get that needed nap then they will get a second wind only making it harder to get them to sleep once it is bed time. You have a window when they start rubbing there eyes or doing certain things (differing from child to child) where you can put them down before that second wind hits. You are the adult and although he may scream and yell you know what's best for him, he doesnt. Try just having him lay down for an hour of quiet time during the afternoon so at least he can get some rest whether or not its sleep it will help. Make sure you have the same bed time every night and a routine so he's mentally prepared and understands what is happening next, let him go potty right before bed so you know that he's a faker when he says "pot pot" later on. He doesnt need a second bath it's just a trick to try his boundaries this is the age they say that children learn how far and what to do to get their way so you need to pick something and stick with it. No sitting up, eyes closed, it's ok to rub his back or sing, rock, or nurse if this is what you've been doing but I'd steer clear of the rest. I read a few books and the one I liked best is Good Night Sleep TIght: The SLeep Ladies Guide to Helping Your Child Go to SLeep, Stay Asleep, And Wake Up Happy it's by Kim West. Hope this helps, I dont mean to sound like a know it all I know every child is different but if what you are doing isn't working try this for a week and really commit . .. if it doesnt help then quit. It cant hurt.
Its been awhile now...how is it going?
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Mostly better though the past week it's been a bit difficult. Nothing to do with Jericho or me though. He just wants some daddy time and that Ahole tinks it is more important to sit outside and smoke and drink with his friends.. So little man keeps trying to stay up to see daddy, poor baby.
Well thats not good. Time for a serious talk about priorities and timing.
Quoting Jerichos_Mommy:
Mostly better though the past week it's been a bit difficult. Nothing to do with Jericho or me though. He just wants some daddy time and that Ahole tinks it is more important to sit outside and smoke and drink with his friends.. So little man keeps trying to stay up to see daddy, poor baby.
Informed Parenting - http://www.cafemom.com/group/43353/ - get and share information on all parenting topics
Well I may have broke him of that the other day, I hope. He stayed out drinking till 4 am in the front yard and of course was hung over the next day. Now he had gone to the bank (the day he got drunk) and I told him to give me most of the money, he never did, so while he was sleeping it off I found and hid $200 plus dollars. When he got up he realized he lost his phone and the money, now mind you he freaks like a liitle girl if he loses something/ Well he found the phone but of course the money is nowhere to be found. And I am happily watching him kick is own a$$ knowing full well where the money is:) MAybe that'll get him to quit drinking to excess. I'll telll you what since he lost the money he is down to a few beer a day and getting better at helping.
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want a quick response plzzzzz
- Jerichos_Mommy
on Jul. 17, 2008 at 1:41 AM