Mom’s Bedtime Struggle: Grappling with Anger and Guilt
A woman is frustrated with her toddler’s refusal to sleep.
Parenting is a challenging and rewarding experience, but it can also come with a lot of guilt and frustration. One mother, who we’ll call Joanne, shares her struggles with putting her toddler to sleep and the guilt she feels when resorting to tough love.
Not A Fan Of Sleep
“I have a 2.5 year old who has never been a big fan of sleep. We have finally gotten to the point where she will sleep through the night (mostly, she gets up once anywhere between 1-5 AM and ends up in my bed, but goes straight back to sleep after she cuddles in),” shares Joanne.
Difficulties With Sleep
“However, putting her to sleep is a nightmare,” Joanne says. “It doesn’t matter if she is tired, how much we run her around in the afternoon, try quiet time before bed. Nothing. We have capped naps. Adjusted nap time. We stick to a routine: bath, teeth brushed, pick out a story, read and kiss the characters goodnight so she doesn’t flip out when we close the book. But as soon as lights go out, it’s a full 1.5 hours of shenanigans before she will sleep.”
No Alone Time
Joanne is at her wit’s end. “I stay with her until she falls asleep, but it’s killing me, as I have no alone time to speak of, by the time she’s out I’m groggy and crawl into bed without any time to unwind, watch a show or chat with my husband.”
Guilty For Feeling Angry
“I always feel so guilty for feeling angry when I leave her room. I don’t know what to do. I feel awful when I use my “mean voice” and basically growl at her that she needs to lay down.”
The Challenge of Using Tough Love
“I feel guilty when I resort to telling her I’m going to leave her in her room alone if she doesn’t settle down. It all just results in tears and she cries until she eventually passes out, even while I’m laying right there snuggled up to her.”
The Importance of Setting Boundaries
Others shared advice to help Joanne with her current situation. One person said, “telling her you’re going to leave her in her room alone shouldn’t be a threat, it should be a statement. When it’s time for you to go, go. If she’s still awake she can look at her book, play with her stuff, but she has to stay in bed.”
The Need to Break the Cycle
“Right now crying and acting up is getting her what she wants, which is more attention from you so she can stay awake longer.”
Toddler Tales: 8 Embarrassing Things Toddlers Have Said In Public
Toddlers are known for their uncensored and sometimes inappropriate comments, especially in public places. From shouting about bodily functions to revealing family secrets, toddlers have a way of keeping us on our toes. Here are some of the most embarrassing things people shared that their toddlers and older kids have said in public.
Toddler Tales: 8 Embarrassing Things Toddlers Have Said In Public
Don’t Pull Your Hair Out On Your Road Trip: Tips To Have A Smooth Trip When Travelling With A Toddler
Planning a road trip with your little one? These tips will help you prepare so you can have an enjoyable trip with your child.
To Travel Or Not To Travel? These Stories Of Travelling With A Toddler Will Make You Think Twice About Leaving Home
Some children travel well, and others don’t. While I don’t wish that any of these happen to you, it might be worth it to read about what might happen while travelling with a young child so you can prepare yourself.
9 Nostalgic Classic Kids’ Toys That Are Banned in the USA Today
The 80s and 90’s were a time of great innovation and creativity in the world of children’s toys. However, many of these toys were found to be dangerous and were eventually banned in the USA. Here are 9 children’s toys from the 80’s and 90’s that are banned in the USA today:
9 Nostalgic Classic Kids’ Toys That Are Banned in the USA Today
Kids Hate Veggies? 10 Ways To Make Them Eat Vegetables
Many children seem to hate eating vegetables. How can you make them eat vegetables? This list will give you some tips on how to make your children eat more vegetables.
Does Your Child Hate Vegetables? 10 Ways To Make Your Kids Eat Vegetables
Source: Reddit
