Almost 6 Yr Old Dd Not Wanting to Sleep

Updated on July 14, 2011
S.D. asks from Genoa City, WI
3 answers

Hi Mamas,

My dd will be 6 in September. About 3-4 weeks ago she's started having problems with bed time and staying in her own bed. If you have read any of my previous posts you will know her dad and I have split up. We've lived apart for almost a year now, so I know that's not the problem of him not being there all of a sudden. He has recently started a new job, and she and her younger sister are with a babysitter now during the week instead of home with him. They both love their babysitter, I don't know if she's having separation anxiety all of a sudden or what. She doesn't want to go to sleep and night and cries and cries. Wants me to stay in her room until she falls asleep, she gets up and tries to come into my bed, or sleeps in a chair in her room which I know cannot be very comfortable. I don't know how to help her be more relaxed at bed time and get her to stay in her own bed. We both need a good nights sleep. My mom has tried giving her a "special" bear to sleep with but that doesn't seem to be doing much good. Please Mama's help us both get a good nights sleep! One very tired Mommy.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.R.

answers from Spokane on

Poor little thing is stressed out to the max. Since this is a sudden thing that seems to correspond to the sitter, I say you should just do whatever you can to help her through this transition, even if that means letting her sleep in your bed. Obviously it won't interfere with "mom and dad time" since dad is living apart from you all ;)
I had a childhood friend who slept with her mom on and off until she was 14 depending on whether or not mom and dad were together (a whole different stress and story), but my point is that yes, it may lead to her wanting to stay there, but she will learn as she gets older and more comfortable with life changes when it is ok to sleep with mom and when it's not.
You may also ask her and her sister if they want to sleep together?

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Portland on

She is letting you know she needs extra reassurance. Going to a babysitter instead of being with Dad is a major change even tho she likes the sitter. I suggest you give her the extra attention she needs by staying with her until she falls asleep.

It would be helpful to let her sleep with you for a few days. That way both of you can get some good sleep. Talk with her about how you're going to do this until she's feeling more secure again and then follow her lead. This can be a temporary help.

What is important is letting he know that you empathize with her distress and that you're willing to help her handle it. You could try to talk with her about why she's feeling this way by making suggestions and asking how that feels to her. Or you could try telling a story about a little girl in a situation similar to hers and ask her how that little girl might feel.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with the other two posters. I would either stay with her until she falls asleep or let her sleep with you. Doing this isn't going to turn into a long term habit that you can never change. Think of it as she is going through a troubling period and she needs help and you are going to provide that to her. This is exactly what you want. You want her to turn to you in times of trouble (so that later on when there are worse coping mechanisms like drugs/alcohol she again will turn to you and not make bad choices).

1 mom found this helpful
For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions