DD1 6 years wont sleep without playing with my hair

[milkandcookies]

I've been trying to get my DD1 to sleep alone but since she was a baby she has always played with my hair, she won't sleep til i go to bed, even on school nights she has 6 - 7 hours sleep each night, i do get her to sleep but when i move she wakes up.

You have had a lovely attachment to her that you once used to encourage but now it's a problem and she really isn't getting enough sleep so you must really decide if you want it to change and then go for it but don't look back.

She is a big girl capable of understanding so I would talk this over with her and explain that it isn't going to happen anymore from this weekend to give her a couple of days as notice..
This Saturday, money permitting naturally, go out to buy a special something from you to her for her to sleep with...it could be a build a bear that you can make together, or a teddy from a shop, or a cuddly blanket. It could simply be a special toy she already loves and you could spend some time playing with her with it and telling the toy what it is going to help you with.

Then do it...

Tea/bath/storytime/last wee and tuck into bed. Love you. Special new mummy loves you bedtime toy and leave..door shut and lights out.
Return her to bed every time she gets up...it may be masses on first few nights but stick with it...if you relent, your good work is undone and you are starting back from scratch.
Don't give cuddles or chat..just take her by the hand and take her back and tuck her in.You don't need to be cross...just passively and calmly quiet.It isn't reprisal you are looking for here,you are just stating your point to her.
You may need to have a coffee and a book in the bathroom near her room whilst the first hour or so is going on rather than up and downstairs.Make yourself comfortable and persevere...in may be a long evening.
She loves you and you her...she will love you no less but at the moment she is being deprived of sleep and that will impact hugely on her school life not to say your life too...This is no good for either of you and I think you know that otherwise you wouldn't be posting.
Is there someone else at home to share this with you?
xx

thanks alot for your reply

her Dad at home but not around for bedtime I will do what you said and let you know in a weeks time, I just hope i have the energy to persevere with it, I have to get strong lol.

good luck.. xx