Kids getting up in the night aaaargh!!

[kezza1973]

My kids are driving me bonkers. They have always been good at going to bed and settling quickly (they share a room). My 5 yr old has started getting up in the night and getting in my bed (sometimes I don't know she is there). Now my 3 year old is doing it as well. I have tried talking and sending them back to bed, warning of punishments etc. They are now waking me in the night with 'ailments' i.e. my tummy hurts and I'm not convinced it's true. I end up getting more frustrated the louder they get in the night. Short of bolting my bedroom, I don't know what my next move should be! Last night the 5 yr old got into bed then next came the 3 yr old before they had an argument about who gets to go next to mummy! I gave up and went to get in their bed as it was too noisy for 4am. haylp!

[kobe]

My kids did this too - it will be a long haul and a bit tough for you but you can break their habit You need to try the following - good luck.

Each time a child gets in bed with you - calmly get out and lead them by the hand back to their own bed ( do not say a word or wake them if they are asleep - do not change anything to do with the atmosphere - ie turn lights on or open windows ) tuck them in don't speak and go straight back to bed yourself

You may find they do this several times a night to start with - don't give in - as soon as you are aware they are in your room take action so they don't even get as far as your bed let alone comfy - if they ask about it the next morning play it dawn as if it were nothing ( they will be looking for a re-ation ) you may find this will take a week or even longer so get some afternoon naps in - but don't despair they will soon tire of your "new game" and most of all don't get into their bed - this is a big no no. It is like giving them permission to "swop" beds

Let me know how you get on

Kobe

[sunflower68]

kezza1973 deepest sympathies with you! My kids are 6 and 7 and this is a vivid and recent memory for me so I can empathise - they creep in there in the dead of night; the only way you know they are in bed is that you wake up either with your arms up by your ears joshing for an inch of space or clinging onto the little bit of mattress that's left.

As kobe said, this will pass and is hard to let go of (though not when you are sleep-deprived). Perhaps find out if they are thirsty/hungry/hot/cold etc. They could be given the chance to solve it themselves. Give them a small bottle of water, let them pour it into their own cup in the night (responsibilities-yay), let them turn on a little night light, let them switch on the bathroom light themselves for the loo.(let them see if they are tall enough (and grown up enough) to reach the thing (yay-tall obsession.)

Put a clock in the eldest's room (5years old may be a bit young to be time-telling tho) and ask he/she to write down what time she/he woke up (even if its only the big hand) And to bring the answer to you only when the big hand reaches 'whatever o'clock'). Be warned it may involve sweetie treats. Good luck. This phase does not last long. I'm lucky to get the merest cuddle out of my 7 year old boy.......sob........

[snook]

Good answers, above. All I want to add is that when your kids have grown up you'll yearn for the days when you had them all to yourself. Treasure each day while you have it. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Focus on the good stuff, laugh at the rest (or try to!).