Daughter Not Sleeping Well

I agree that she is probably just feeling a little left out right now. We let our oldest (almost 11, also a step-daughter) sleep with us sometimes around that age. As long as you can set boundaries with her and make sure she knows that 'her' room is where she is suppose to sleep, and if you can get her to sleep there the majority of the time, you shouldn't have a problem later. Find an activity you can do with her on a regular basis; a board game or something. I would just make sure to spend a bit of quality "just for her" time each day making her feel special.

Hi S.,
I never let my kids sleep with me unless they were sick. No, I think becasue she gets it the way she likes it, she's going to keep doing it until you tell her she can no longer sleep with you. You're right. When they get a certain age, thank the Lord that sleeping without them is something you've longed for. I say keep poutting her back in her bed.

She probably just wants to be close to you and daddy, children become insecure when a baby is on the way. I don't see anything wrong with letting children sleep with you as long as it does not become a habit. My kids sleep with us if they are sick, wake up having a bad dream, just if they wake up in the middle of the night and need mommy and daddy. My kids don't make a habit of sleeping in our bed. There are going to be alot of changes going on, I'm sure they have already started, I'm sure she's just insecure about having the new baby coming into the house, let her sleep with you and comfort her, I'm sure it won't hurt anything.

It probably has alot to do with the new baby on the way, I would say try to give all the attention in the world because it sounds like she's getting a little resentful of all the attention the "new one" is getting... Kids pick up on stress even when you don't think you are showing it... I am expecting my 3rd in June. I have a 4 year old and a 21 month old. My youngest is going to be the most jealous I can already tell... hope this helps

S.-
Cosleeping is like breastfeeding. It doesnt work if both parties are not comfortable with it. You obviously feel strongly about her not sleeping with you, so you shouldnt do it. Dont let your daughter or anyone else guilt you into something you dont want to do. My son slept with us for breastfeeding purposes until he was done breastfeeding, then I felt it was time for me to reclaim my bed for my own. I dont feel bad about it, and I dont let anyone tell me that cosleeping is wrong either. This is strictly an opinion subject. I read an arcticle not too long ago in a magazine about how it is ok for us to have things for ourselves sometimes. The arcticle talked about how it was not necessary for us to always share what we have with our children just because it is more enticing to them. Im not saying that is the case with your daughter, Im just saying dont feel guilty for your natural feelings in the end of your pregnancy with 2nd baby. Im sure that since you are close to your due date you are probably not getting adequate sleep as it is. Best wishes for you and your family.

I would spend all time you have with your daughter. Let her know she is important but do not let her sleep with you. My friend has a 10 year old who still sleeps with her and her husband cause that what she did when she was younger. So it is not a good idea to cosleep with you child. Hope that helps. L.