We have 2 children aged 7 and nearly 9. We adopted them 18 months ago. Bedtime takes absolutely ages. Both children need an adult with them until they fall asleep, which sometimes means I am doing bedtime from 7 until 9 or later. I work as a teacher and get really tired, making me snappy around these endless bedtimes, and also would like to spend my evenings on other tasks sometimes. It makes it very difficult for one of us to go out (although we are lucky to have PIL to babysit sometimes so we can both go out).
It's driving me crazy, I just dread bedtime as I know I'm going to be sitting there for so long. My younger child usually gets to sleep quite quickly but my older child not for 45 mins to an hour.
DH and I have tried various ways of taking turns, doing one night each or one child each, and the routine is precitable - bath, teeth, one story, a couple of songs of Spotify and lights out. This is a routine we have honed over the last 18 months. We have also tried lights- night lights, lights on, off, music, no music, but my son still takes ages to go to sleep. I've tried back rubs, meditation type stuff, and every lavender product out there.
I fee for him as I know he's anxious, and to be fair their behaviour at bedtime is usually very good. I just want my evenings back.
IABU aren't I? I will just have to put up with it until they grow out of it! I just long to kiss them good night and go downstairs.
Please or to access all these features
Please
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AIBU?
To think there has got to be an easier way to get older children to sleep?
57 replies
ThisIsNotARealAvo · 31/08/2016 20:38
OP posts:
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