post #1 of 1
1/11/12 at 7:38pm
Thread Starter 

I'm newly pregnant...  and I'd like DD2 (2yo) out of our bed and into her sister's room.   Her sister is 4yo and has slept in her own bed from birth, and has always been great about it (a few teething stints but that's it!).  

I'm so exhausted- DD2 no longer night-nurses (occasionally nurses before bed for a few seconds but is quite content to hear that I'm tired and she just turns around and lays on her pillow).  It's the waking in the middle of the night from being sandwiched between the two of them (her and my husband) that is driving me on little sleep.  That and waking up to getting punched, or headbutted, or kicked... I've gotten a few minor black eyes and lots of bruises from her night-time tossing.

 

My DH also sleeps on the couch far more than we both would like.  He's a tall guy.  It's not good for his already bad back.  Occasionally DD and I have even crashed on the couch to give DH a better place to sleep. It's just not working- it needs to change.

 

DD is very, very rebellious and has in the past scoffed at a mattress placed on the floor in our room for her.  We tried that for awhile- she was having NONE of it.

 

Today we bought her a toddler bed- siderails, it's awesome.  We put it in our DD1's room, and I went through the bedtime routine with them.  DD2 is usually a spectator at the bedtime routine for the most part, but tonight she was more involved.  I read them the longest story we have to get them nice and tired- the Velveteen Rabbit- and put them both in bed.  I nursed DD2 briefly as I occasionally do because she asked for it.  She rolled over, but didn't want me to leave.  I stood down the hall, she'd come out half crying half yelling, and I'd gently pick her up, talk to her, and put her back.  After about 10 times, I got a little tired and admittely held the doorknob so she couldn't open it.  I felt terrible, but she stopped crying almost instantly and said to her sister, "Hey Lellie, door not work"  and her sister (she's getting a high-five in the morning!) told her, "oh well, maybe it will work in the morning."  and silence.  Who knows what they're doing in there- I can only hope they're sleeping!  

I don't feel like I handled it in a way that emotionally scarred her or anything... but I do think I could have done something more gentle.  Does anyone have a better idea?  I'm honestly shocked that she's quiet in there!  She's a rebellious little kid and will put on one whammy of a fight- for anything!

 

How long can I expect bedtime rebellion to go on if we're consistent with the routine and everything?  DD1 usually goes to bed around 6pm- DD2 later.  I'm going to start putting them both down early. 

 

Anyways.. comments?  Thoughts?

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