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What to do when 5 year old calls me all night. At end of tether.

2 replies

linspins · 16/02/2012 08:29

My Dd has never been a particularly good sleeper, and bedtimes are difficult still- even though we follow a good routine, same every day, keep things calm, etc etc. But I can put up with it for the while.
What is difficult, and REALLY getting to me now, is the calling out in the night. She calls me, "Mummy, Mummy..." to: put on the light a bit more, put a story cd on, tell me about her dream, go to the loo, pull the covers back on, ask me what time it is, and any other random thing you can think of. Every single night. My sleep patterns are so disturbed now, especially from 5 onwards, when I don't really get back to sleep properly between calls. (Dh doesn't hear a thing.) If I ignore her, she keeps going, until she cries, which is quite loud. And we live in a semi, so I know the neighbours will be able to hear.
I have tried all sorts: sticker charts for not calling, leaving a light on, giving her a digital clock, pleas, threats (well, sort of! Grin ).
This morning I am just so GRUMPY at the whole situation, and so tired.
DS, just turned two, happily sleeps through....why can't my 5 year old?
Any advice, please help.

OP posts:
nectarina · 16/02/2012 14:34

I would tell her in the day that you won't go in when she calls in the night. NO negotiating, sticker charts or anything like that, just be clear and concise, you're not going in anymore. And then don't go in.
It will be a hard night so maybe you should think of something you could be doing while she's crying (reading or something).
Warn the neighbours if you're worried.

bibbitybobbityhat · 16/02/2012 14:35

Get tough! Come on, she's 5.

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