Bedtime Struggles

[Nansense]

When my 4yo isn't tired, won't settle down, I battle with him to go to sleep. Bedtime is usually around 7:30, but there are times when he just can't settle down. His light is off, door closed, but I still hear him walking around, talking/whispering, playing.

I'm so tired of trying to force him to sleep when all that does is make me mad, get frustrated, yell, take away toys or a privledge...and still hours later he's still awake.

I'm tired of the battle and just want to ignore it and let him fall asleep when he's ready. I know, I know, he should get his sleep and is usually ok, but on the occassion (full moon?) when he's still awake, what do you all do???

I just don't want to fight this battle anymore. Do any of you give in and let your kids stay up as long as they're quiet?

[erynw]

When our son gets like that, we lay down with him and he is out in a matter of minutes. If he goes to bed at the "right" time, he falls asleep fairly quickly on his own. BUt when we miss that magic window and he is wound up, the cuddle seems to really help.

My son is also allowed to read as long as he wants so long as he stays in bed. After a while, I usually go in and suggest he turn his light out and he is sleepy so agrees without a fuss for the most part.

[425lisamarie]

I really think these stages come and go. Right now my 5.5 year old is having a hard time sleeping. EVery night i lay with him until he falls asleep and I swear he's sound asleep! Then not 30 seconds later I hear the door open and he sits at the top of the stairs. I figure if he's not upset, or asking for anything I just kind of pretend I don't know since I think that's what he wants. He will run quickly if we walk by the stairs. He's always had a hard time sleeping without me, so I figure just him being able to go back to bed alone is a big step. I don't really care, he usually sleeps in a little the next day when he does this. If he does it too long i'll lay back down with him and sometimes he'll fall right asleep.

It can be frustrating because I don't always know what to do. I really want him to get enough rest, but if he can't sleep and he's happy alone, I think if I were you I'd just let him be. Once he figures out no one cares, it may pass and not be "fun" anymore.

[mommaJ]

My DD (6) occasionally goes through that. We do the bedtime routine the same, reading, talking, snuggling.....and then she is allowed to keep her reading lamp on and read or draw or play her Leapster for as long as she wants. I don't think she usually makes it past an hour. If I notice she is going through one of these patches I usually make sure to limit sugar intake and give her a nice relaxing bath before bed....anything to help!

Good luck, I know it's frustrating. I try to keep in mind that even as adults are sleeping patterns change. Some nights I can't fall asleep even though I'm exhausted! I would be so mad if someone took away my reading priveledges when I was having trouble sleeping.