Hi,
My 7 year old would ideally like me to spend a hour with her at night, reading stories, singing and rubbing her back - in addition to her dad reading a story.
I love a bit of bedtime Reading and snuggles but I want it to be 20 mins max and to be out by 8 so I have an evening. Currently bedtime is > 90 mins between her and her 2 year old sister.
Whilst I’d like to be out by 8pm, I think her natural settling down time is now 8.20 so two weeks ago we agreed that we’d change the routine and I’d finish a sorry by 8pm, then she could play and I’d come back to turn off the light and kiss her good night at 8.20, she said fine, even said now she’s older she doesn’t need me to sing to her, but in the end that night she got hysterical that I wasn’t going to stay and lie with her - hubby wanted to try and stick it out for a few nights but she was sooo distressed it wasn’t an option - she was awake till 10pm that night just with the stress of the change even when I agreed to lie with her.
so now I’m back to going in At about 7.45, reading a book and singing until 8.15 or more like 8.30.
Since last summer she’s become very sensitive about us going out at night, and so we’ve only gone out 2/3 times - the last time I had to sung down the phone to calm her down from the restaurant. I only mention this as She seems to have separation anxiety.
I can cope without going out with hubby for another while as it’ll pass eventually and it makes her so anxious but I just can’t do an hours bedtime every night.
Any advice gratefully received.
Aoife