I really need some advice. I'm a single mum to a four and a half year old dd. She's been a good sleeper for the majority of the time, with the occasional phase of clinginess or nightmares. The last 'phase' was probably about a year ago, and she ended up in my bed for a month, then got her into her bed with the promise of doors open and nightlights on.
Anyway, this year so far has been hard. We've moved house, her dad has had a baby with his partner, and I've been suffering with depression to the extend I took an od a few weeks back (she was at her dads). Since then ss have got involved. I'm aware dd may have picked up on stuff, but she seems happy, her routine has stayed the same and I've done lots with her. The only thing is sw and HV have made visits.
The past few nights dd has been a nightmare to get to bed. She wants more stories, won't let go of my top, wants cuddles, asks for me to stay in her bed. Sometimes she gets up and sits on the stairs. She gets upset and says she hates bedtime and has bad dreams.
I feel awful, as it's probably all my fault. And I don't know how to handle it. I don't get cross, I've tried bribery, extra cuddles, left the door open. Tonight and a couple of nights ago I've just let her go to sleep in my bed then I put her into hers when I go to bed. It seems to keep her happy, although just heard footsteps!
I don't know if I need to mention this to anyone, or if it's normal 4 year old behaviour, or a phase? But I want to know if I'm handling it in the right way. I panic about her not getting enough sleep.
Sorry this is long. TIA