HI My 4 year old has slept brilliantly since 4.5months but every since the conclusion of preschool and preparing for primary school, the nightmares began. At first I would simply walk her back to bed quick cuddle then leave very boring very quiet, then the wakings became more frequent and after the first wakeup I would gradually get more and more annoyed and yes would end up acing cross even shouting...the problem is she falls back to sleep no problem but I don't and it sets us up for a really bad day of me being tired grumpy and taking it out on her. We then noticed she was creating pretend nightmares and she even admitted it was just so she could get a cuddle - well that one threw me! How do you handle that? We've tried taking away daytime privileges, controlled crying after telling her to go back to bed and more reecently I get so worked up by the third wakeup I just start shouting. I know it's all bad for sleep anxiety but Im only human and her nightly wakings are having an impact on my being a good Mother during the day time. Now we hardly ever play energetic games like tig/hide and seek and sporadically manage a game of footie when I'm feeling a bit more myself but I've tried reasoning with her, explaining all this but naturally at 4 she doesnt understand. I even followed another parents suggestion of waiting til she's back asleep then wake her up, get her to sit quietly on sofa while I read a book, no tv, no talking no attention and after 20mins of discussing things with tears streaming down my face sent her back to bed but it only worked for a day or so...theres plenty more stories but I think Ive said enough already...the thing is when I return to bed myself I have real issues getting back to sleep - fast heartbeat, hunger, frustration anger all builds up and I either end up crying to sleep or getting up for the day (which is worse of course) - please help - turning old before my time and we only have one child - I really need my sleep back!