Sunday, July 1, 2012

Bedtime Misadventures

Somewhere between ages 2 and 3, a child can terrify a parent by suddenly climbing a slide ladder to precarious heights.  At age 4,  the second step of the ladder is suddenly  terrifying to the child. When playing with a group of 3 and 4 year old children, it is inevitable that one will suddenly decide it is time for a game of "monster." A scene from Beauty and the Beast ensues with the villagers chasing the beast as they overcome their fears. 

Bedtimes at this age can be difficult.  A child that previously was very obedient and promptly fell asleep at his bedtime now suddenly begins to find every excuse under the stars to come back downstairs.  "I need another drink of water," or "I have to go to the bathroom,"  (Seriously, you didn't think the sleeping-on-time stage was going to last and you were going to get any sleep did you? Don't be silly, you're a parent!).  Oh yes, the fears have set in and frankly, some of it is attention seeking.  You may be tempted to do a time out, but bedtime is not the time to do time outs. It may be the worst thing to do at bedtime, because you will lose. Oh yes, doing time outs when you want them to go to sleep is at cross purposes with their desire to stay awake. Instead, the best way to deal with this behavior is by quickly and firmly getting them back to bed with as little interaction as possible, and the firm instruction to "Stay in bed!". 

End of Part 1


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