4 year old will cry herself to sleep tonight

[Dudess]

Just tried to put DD to bed - normal routine is I take her up first and read a story, then DH reads second story. But he had to go out tonight, so he was going to read first story. DD wasn't happy about this, started crying. Tripped on the stairs and though didn't hurt herself really increased the tears - she has an awful fake 'this-is-the-end-of-the-world' cry which she can stop immediately if I suggest she has a reward.

While trying to explain to her that she goes up with Daddy first, then me, she refused to cooperate. We gave her two warnings to go up with Daddy first, and then she can have two stories, or if she didn't go up there'd be no stories. She refused to listen until I said that's it, no stories, and then she had a melt down. For the first time in a couple of years she's gone to bed crying, and while I feel awful, I wouldn't have changed what I did.

Also, how the hell do you stop fake crying?

Think she's now asleep as crying has stopped.

Time for -wine- calming meditation.

[YorkieDorkie]

My instinct with fake crying is to ignore. It's only purpose is attention and so if it isn't indulged she'll see its ineffective. It's hard though isn't it!

[GeorgeTheThird]

I'm afraid I used to say "Stop making that noise" and walk away. He's fifteen now and doesn't seem to be traumatised.

[LuchiMangsho]

Fake crying. I point out that the Oscar awards are done for this year. And then laugh at my own joke.
And ignore it.
I told DD if she did fake crying (pretend crying is what I call it) she would have to write a letter to me explaining what was upsetting her. Somehow the 'would you like to write your letter now?' seems to have stopped it this week. Who knows what one will need to use next week.
But in the main just roll your eyes and ignore.

[Kalispera]

Both of my kids went through a stage where they'd demand who they wanted to read them a story. It just got silly, so now they get who they get and any silliness of tantrums means no story.

I'm not into long drawn out bedtimes anyway. What's the point? It happens every day! Just get it done and enjoy the peace.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Either say 'stop that noise' or just ignore.

[Dudess]

You're all fabulous in your replies, than you! Might have to use that Oscars quip next time pretend crying happens upon us! And I'm SOO glad saying 'stop making that noise' won't traumatise my daughter when she's a teen.

A teen! I worked out that I'll probably be going through the menopause around the same time; Mr Dudess might need to take up an away-from-the-home-a-lot hobby :)