Sleeping every night has been test for me since we moved to our new place. EeRynn's room is bigger and she's older and learns more trick to delay going to bed.
Since she started school this year, I have made sure she gets 8 hours sleep so she wakes up fresh in the morning. Initially, habit is form and it's easy. Holiday cames, sleeping habit has changed. Objective after every holiday is to ensure she goes back to her sleeping habits. :> Am I crazy or mean or what?
Her sleeping pattern has changed from 930pm to 10pm to 1030pm to 11pm and sometimes 1130pm. I am frustrated. Of course, I gave in some nights because I feel I am too mean. I am thinking, I will not sleep if I am not tired, so why force her anyway. Oh, this thinking is dangerous. Because we have conscience to be accountable the next morning, a 4 years old don't. A 4 years old child will continue to sleep anyway, irregardless. The next morning, I will be sitting beside her feeling guilty and pity.
It has prolonged for more than 6 months. She will come out from her room pretending asking a lot of questions. The real reason is she needs attention and curious on things we do after she is gone to bed.
Tonight is the night. I have promise myself to draw my boundaries. I have stop threatening her on punishment. She came out earlier and I bring her to stand corner (alone) without any question ask. Previously, I will send her back and ask her don't come out anymore and warn her on punishment. Subsequently, she said she wants to pass motion and I send her to toilet without saying a word or show any sign of dissatisfaction. After 5 minutes, she shouted saying that there's nothing and she wants to come out from her toilet. So I told her to wait as a punishment. She started screaming and crying. After 2 minutes, I brought her out and she went to her bed without any hesitation.
I am at peace tonight.
Oh no, she is standing behind me know. I show her my firm expression and send her back to her room. She's whining.
I hope she will sleep by now...
