Your husband is sleeping with another woman and you’re the one who is encouraging the relationship. Friends warn you that it’s a mistake. Even the man around the house, himself, has admitted that this other woman is not only interfering with his sleep but horning in on his sex life.
The other woman, of course, is your two year old daughter. In the wee hours of the morning, she’s taken to climbing out of her bed into yours.
What’s a tired mother or father to do? Simply grin and bear the uncomfortable, sleep deprived nights caused by the midnight caller and crawler?
NOT AT ALL!! Mom and Dad, get a life! For as long as it takes, take turns each night RETURNING the little darling back to her own bed each and every time she tries to join you. (This strategy should allow at least the parent not on “night patrol" to get some sleep).
For the parent on duty, stay in your toddler or preschooler's bedroom once you’ve returned her there, until she sees you mean what you say. At night, her bed is her bed and your bed is yours and “never the twain shall meet”. Be prepared in the beginning for her crying, begging, and jumping out of bed.
Difficult as it will be...and it will be, muster the strength to remain patient and calm. Speak in a caring, soft voice, not a loud irritated one. It will take time and kindness for you to teach your two year old, perhaps for the first time, that in the tug of war between will and won’t the odds are in your favor.
Make sure you explain in the morning the rule that at night, unless she is afraid of something or not feeling well, your bed is off limits. Should she have to awaken you for these reasons, let her know that you will comfort her back in her own room not while staying in yours.
Whether the bed in which you sleep is a double, queen sized or king sized...as far as sharing it with children …. two’s company; three's a crowd .
No comments:
Post a Comment