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Sleep

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Older children won’t go to sleep!

3 replies

HelenFitzroy · 20/02/2025 16:33

I (F44) have three children. F11, F8 and M2. They all have the same dad and the home is generally very secure and happy. No major upset or traumatic events. I am having issues at the minute getting them to go to bed. My 2yo is not an issue ironically enough it’s the older two. My 8 yo wants to lie with me every night or at least in my bed. I try not to lie with her very much as I feel it is a bad habit and only establishes the pattern even more. Some night’s my 8yo will eventually fall asleep and when I lift her out to her own bed so I can go to sleep my 11yo will then come in for a cuddle and start to cry when I ask her to go after 5 minutes. She gets really upset when her Dad comes to bed and kicks her out. I love them both dearly but I feel they sap all my energy, sometimes I just want to go to sleep without two limpets stuck to me. I work during the day and am often really tired when I go to bed but I have started trying to go to sleep later to avoid this situation leaving me more tired.

OP posts:
MumChp · 20/02/2025 16:38

Boundaries.
It's okay to say no to children aged 8 and 11 yo. They need to understand and respect the decision that they sleep in their own beds.

custardpyjamas · 20/02/2025 16:41

The eleven year old is jealous of the 8yr old getting to sleep with you. Stop the 8yr old and the 11yr old will (probably) be fine about it.

FirstTimeMum881 · 21/02/2025 13:55

custardpyjamas · 20/02/2025 16:41

The eleven year old is jealous of the 8yr old getting to sleep with you. Stop the 8yr old and the 11yr old will (probably) be fine about it.

I agree with this.

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