Pleeeease help!

[Lauren12Belle]

Hello

I am Mum to a wonderful 4yo girl, 5 in October.

She's always been a little sensitive, maybe because I wasn't the most present parent to her (work commitments) when she was little. She's a fab character but I am so struggling with bedtime....

Basically, she won't fall asleep unless either myself or DH is next to her...on our makeshift bed beside her bed. Sometimes it's fine and she's off like a light and we can resume normal adult duties. However, this is roughly. 5% of the time.

Normally she takes a good hour after a story and song whilst tossing and turning saying she can't sleep/foot itches/why is the sky blue etc..

It stresses me out no end hence why DH normally obliges but he falls asleep meaning bad back, no adult time, no sexy time in forever really and just generally feeling shit about it all.

I love her millions I just wish she would sleep on her own. We live in a tiny cottage; her room is a hobbits tip toe from ours. Tried rewards chart, bribery, Santa is watching, here have the iPad, begging etc but no avail. Bought a hamster which helped a bit but my cat ate him. Tempted to have another to keep her company but see above...we don't do it enough

Will share lotto winnings with anyone who can help! Thank you

[blue2014]

Why did the hamster help? That might be the first thing to figure out - simple company? Then maybe a special teddy?

[Justmuddlingalong]

She is the one in charge here. That needs to change. Bath, teeth brushed, story, kiss goodnight. Keep returning her to bed, don't engage. You have to take control now. If you are getting very little adult time, you won't be loosing out while you teach her the new routine. Good luck.