My 8 month old daughter has become very use to her routine, which is normally a good thing. Unfortuatnly about once a month or so, I have to work late or go out of town overnight for my job. This poses a HUGE problem for the people I rely on to watch my daughter. She throws absolute fits is someone other than myself tries to put her to sleep at night (she is fine with others putting her down for naps during the day). She cries and screams and refuses to settle down. She will eventually get so tired that she wears herself out, but it is putting a huge strain on the people I depend on to watch her. I'm affraid that sooner or later everyone is goign to get sick of the hissy fits and stop watchign her for me. I've tried having my mom and other family members put her down while I"m there, but she still continues to scream until I take over. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to break this habit and make her more comfortable being put to bed by other members of my family?
Have you tried leaving something with your daughter that has your scent? Maybe a t-shirt or a blanket?
If you are able to put her down most of the time, start a new routine of recording your voice, or the night-time events. Once in a while, even if you are there, have her go to sleep with your voice recording of reading a book or soothing words. It may not be the real you, but it may be a type of game for her to hear mommy's voice. She is still a little young for more intense things, but the sound of your voice and a stuffed animal that is commonly used should get some positive response. When your sitters put her to bed, have them play the recording of your voice as you do when reading a book or otherwise, and she should be at least a little calmed.
Just make sure it isn't only played when you are gone, then it will become a negative association.
i watch my friends kids sometimes & they are 5 yrs & 3.. the 3 yr old cries everytime she goes to bed till she gets tired .I think its just a question of time to get used to as my younger 2 do same when someone else watchs them gl
This does sound like it can be trying. Have you tried maybe giving her a doll or a stuffed animal? Go to the store (the dollar store is great for stuff like this) and have her pick out a baby (as my daughter calls it). At night introduce the "baby" to the sleeping routine, maybe tuck it in, or give it a kiss. Tell her that this is what you can have when mommys not here. I know she is young, but they understand so much. Just make sure that everytime at bed you give it to her, then bring in your mother, father, or anyone who might put her to bed when you aren't there and with you standing there have them give her the baby. Then start weining her of oyur presence when someone else is there, she will eventually realize that mommy is near to far away and that she is still safe. Can I ask, does this make you feel special when all she wants is mommy? I know it makes me feel like a queen. But like every mommy you need your rest and friends. I can't say this will work but maybe it will give you an idea as to what to do. Best of luck to you!
Do your daughter's other caretakers to do the same routine that you do? Maybe she does not want someone else doing "mommy's routine." If it is possible maybe have them come when you are home and have them try something slightly different with her. Similar to what you do so that she knows bedtime is coming but not the exact same thing to where she feels they are taking your place. Also do you speak to your daughter and let her know in advance when you are not going to put her to bed? She obviously knows when mommy is not there so maybe before you leave for work just say to her "Mommy's not going to put you to bed tonite but Grandma's going to be here and I'll see you in the morning" or something to that effect so that it's not a suprise when bedtime comes and Mom's not around.
