I have a four year old daughter that can't keep a sleep schedule at night. I come home from work about nine 3 -4 days out of the week. If we try to have her take a nap in the day, then she sleeps too long, and wont sleep at night. We really would appreciate some advice on this, and get adequate sleep as well.
two things that fixed my 4 yo sleeping issues...we stopped napping and we stopped sugary drinks. she was drinking mostly chocolate milk and once we stopped that she sleeps much better now.
Hi K.,
I have the same issue but I think I have solved it. My daughter is 3 and we have cut out her nap during the day also this way she is in bed by 8:30-9:00, otherwise she will stay up till 10:30 or 11 pm and is a total bear the next day. We have the same routine every night also dinner, bath at 8 pm and brush our teeth and in bed, if my husband is home he reads them a story. But I also use this time just for her and I to do something together like we have a learning book we got for her so we will do that or read a book or color just her and I.
My 6 year old son stopped taking a nap at the same age, so when he started kindergaten this year he had no problem not taking a nap during the day, by the time thanksgiving was here they weren't taking naps at school anymore. So I think it's a good thing.
Another thing we did is started using the nestle powder to make strawberry and chocolate milk and we only put 1/2 of teaspoon in the glass rather than the 2 tablespoons of it calls for. I have also started giving them the crystal light they like that and it's more water they also like the fruit 2 0 water so we have been bying alot of this since summer is coming and they are only getting milk twice a day (I don't like to give my kids milk when it starts getting hot I'm afraid it will curdle on their stomach) but we make up for it with cheese, gogurt and things like this.
I would also take a look at what she may be drinking at night before she goes to bed ie does she have any caffeine which could be chocolate, tea, pop. Also check is she having kool aid, juice they sugar in her system may be keeping her awake so even though you put her to bed she may not fall asleep until an hour later or so.
And another note if you are getting home at 9 pm she may be staying up to see you. I am assuming your husband is there with the kids so if he puts her in bed he can tell her when you get here she will come right in and see you. Reassure her that you will come and see her when you get home. I hope you get some good suggestion's and find something that works. W. mom of 4.
You will know if your daughter is ready to quit napping. If she is absolutely wild and out of control durning the mid afernoon, she may just be "frantic" and tired and therefore need a nap. If she does nap, limit the time of it. Regardless of what you do, be consistent. If she goes to bed at 9pm EVERY night, eventually her body will come to accept it (even if her mind doesn't!) Maybe on the nights you come home late, if you miss her you can do special breakfasts the next day...I don't get to see my 2 on Wed. and Fri. nights so Thurs. and Sat. mornings I do fun breakfasts like big belgian waffles or banana pancakes with the works. I think it's worse for me not to see them those 2 nights than it is for them and I figure it all equals out in the end...Good luck.
Hello,
At age 4 I would cut out the nap during the day. We have the same routine every night and I have no problems getting my kids to sleep, but we have had the same routine since they were babies so it might take a couple of weeks to get her used to a schedule, but you have to be consistant every night. At 7 we get baths done if needed (they take a bath every other night, unless it is summer then it is pretty much everynight), then they get pj's on if they have eaten all of their dinner they may have a bedtime treat, because after they are in bed getting up to eat is not allowed. They brush their teeth and are in bed by 8 or no story, this is a motivator, but I am somewhat leanient if they are not messing around and will stretch it until about 8:20 we read a story then say prayers and lights out. Occassionally they will try to get up, but we just send them right back to bed.
Once kids are in a routine it is easier for them to adjust to bedtime, and know when it is time to start winding down.
Hope this helps,
Shell
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My advice, cut the nap. I know that's hard, since it gives you a little afternoon break, and it may seem like she needs one, but it's for the best. Second, and MOST IMPORTANT: Did yu know that a child her age needs 12 (yes, twelve!) hours of sleep a night? Bump her bed time to 7 p.m., or earlier, depending on when you wake. Don't be tempted to put her to bed at 9 p.m. so she will sleep late for you, because that is just a bad habit to get into, and you'll have to break her of it come kindergarten time. This is advice strait for the pediatrician (in our family) who helped us resolve my niece's sleep issues. We also have a rule-once you are in bed, you stay there. So, get a drink, go potty, get your hugs and smooches in, because once your feet hit the sheet, that's where you have to stay! Works for us!
Good luck!
Well, I have to simply say that my daughter is 4 and she barely slept at all. Not naps, not at night. I finally had to put her on melatonin which is safe for kids 3 and up and is a natural over-the-counter herbal pill.
My son is now 5 and we had the same problems. What really worked for him then and now is keeping him on schedule. We started the ritual of taking a bath, playing a game, then a massage to soothe and calm him down. Since you work until about 9, I would suggest your husband be responsible for getting the ritual in place. When I work late, we have problems because I was the one that started the ritual and therefore he only responds to it when I am giving him the massage. We also have music on a CD player and a lava lamp that he enjoys. I think having a ritual is the way to go. I also have a Lavender oil spray that I use on his pillow that tends to calm him down.
I only had this problem with my second child. My first child could sleep anywhere at any time, so I know what you are going through. This system really worked for us. If you want specifics email me at ____@____.com luck.
