Let’s talk about how to get your kid to stay in bed! These tips are for families who have instilled strong sleep habits in their children, but, need to fix an occasional blip, not how to fix a plethora of issues.
GIT Tip#1:
Who has a story teller in their home? You put your child to bed and immediately they come out of their room with a problem or start softly crying that they’ve had a bad dream? Yeah right kid, you don’t need anything and you haven’t even been to sleep to have a dream. That mentality is how you deal with this. Sternly respond with direct eye contact, “You do not need that and go back to bed.” Then no eye contact, usher them back to bed and shut the door. Remind yourself that you’ve already given your child QT during the bedtime routine so do not feel guilt for being done with him now. No guilt moms, go watch TV!
GIT Tip #2:
If your child exits his bedroom to come find you at night take him right back to bed, HIS bed, ask him what’s wrong, reassure him then give a quick hug, do not turn it into a huge, drawn out ordeal.
In the morning ask him why he woke up and try to get to the heart of the matter, but, again, stay cool and don’t turn into a drama mama.
GIT Tip #3:
If he exits his bedroom to come find you at night take him right back to bed, HIS bed, ask him what’s wrong, reassure him then give a quick hug, do not turn it into a huge, drawn out ordeal. If he does it again I give you full permission to SIGH! That’s right, sigh, do not be pleasant, it’s the middle of the night and your child knows better. You sternly ask what is wrong, make it known that you’re not happy with his behavior and situation. Hug your child, be quick and get out of his room.
Again, in the morning ask him why he woke up and try to get to the heart of the matter, but, again, stay cool and don’t turn into a drama mama.
GIT Tip #4:
If he exits his bedroom a third time to come find you at night take him right back to bed, HIS bed, no eye contact, SIGH, SIGH more, then say to him, “That is it, Mommy is all done.” It’s the tone and lack of eye contact that proves you mean business. When you speak confidently vs softly and wishy washy your children will pay attention better. Be strong moms!
Again, in the morning ask him why he woke up and try to get to the heart of the matter, but, again, stay cool and don’t turn into a drama mama.
GIT Tip #5:
If your child gets out of bed and says, “I hate you and I’m going to sleep on my floor next to the toilet because you’re being mean….” Think to yourself “Be my guest dope, please do, I don’t really care because:
A) It’s not my problem
B) I’ll be in MY own cozy bed
C) I think you’re acting totally ridiculous
When your child starts giving you empty threats take the power and control away from him and never feed into his crazy, stay cool and aloof.
Moms! Always remember that you’re smarter than your kid is!
