DD (4.5) keeps coming into our bed at night because she's 'scared'...

[MrsBigD]

It's getting worse, last night she came in at midnight and we couldn't get her back into her bed as she'd go hysterical and of course that would weak ds (nearly 2) who only just started sort of sleeping through.

She tells us she's scared, but when asked what off she replies 'don't know'. We're guessing some of it is real due to e.g. bad dreams, sudden noise etc. but part of it is put on...

Saturday night she stayed in her bed all night because we told her if she does then we go swimming Sunday. Guess what... she stayed in bed, came out first thing in the morning telling us that she did and 'demanding' with big grin that we go swimming NOW.

So how do we deal with this? Can't bribe her with swimming every night ...

HELP

[ComeOVeneer]

We have a very similar situation with our dd (also 4.5) have to say that currently bribes or threats (ie she will lose her bicycle for a week etc) seem to be the only thing that works, so I'll watch this thread with great anticipation, (I so want a good nights sleep).

[JackieNo]

Star chart? If she stays in her own bed all night she gets a star, and at the end of the week if she has a certain number (maybe 5 or more?) she gets a small treat - a magazine, or something?

[Feistybird]

Yes, I had this with DD2 and had to bribe her with a treat size choc bar for about 2 weeks.

It was just bad habit. Once she started sleeping through, I just phased out the choc, and praising her as a 'big grown up girl' who didn't need to come into mum and dad's bed.

[MrsBigD]

ComeOVeneer, glad to hear we're not the only ones with that problem

JackiNo, thanks for that suggestion. Might give it a go. Though have to admit we are 'spoiler' parents , usually when dh goes e.g. to WH Smiths to get his mags she gets one Was 'mean' parent this morning though as she kept using 'swear' words and I told her once more and no TV for the rest of the day... well she's not watching TV today! Gotta get a bit toughter I guess

[JackieNo]

Yes - we're a bit like that, or at least we were until we started giving DD pocket money. Now she can buy her own. Hope you find something that works.

[toadstool]

I was advised to use a star chart on MN for night waking (DD is same age) - don't want to tempt fate, but it's worked brilliantly so far (a month in). DD is given a treat for every 5 nights she sleeps through - we set out the treat in advance, so no negotiating for other things. First treats were big: first trip to the cinema, a Legoland trip (already planned anyway). Since then they've become an ice cream, a new sunhat, etc. Highly recommended!!!