6 year old waking through the night....

[hippee]

Hi guys...
My wonderful son aged 6 has just returned to school into year1. Before the holiday break we finally had him sleeping through and not wanting to come back to our bedat 4am..It's just too hard as I have a 7month old as well and the lack of sleep was driving me balmy! :(
So all going well and through the holidays same thing he never came into our room. AsI sit here bleary eyed.I have been up since 4am he refused to go back to his room stayed awake etc...finally went back to sleep so I snuck back to my bed at 5am to have him come looking for me..I haven't been able to get back to sleep so now I face the day on 4 hours sleep (hubby worked last night so I waited up for him late) and looking after a baby... I know this mabey some kind of school anxiety but it just cannot continue all year again.
Has anyone else had this experiance?? What did you do? I don't know if this thread makes sense....

[SixtiesChild]

Hi Hippee,

This sounds a little familiar to me.
I've got a six year old dd and a 10mth old and I can relate to what you're saying.

Up until dd was 5 she had us all to herself and what we found was that when dd #2 came along, our 5 year old began waking up at night and seeking a lot more attention.
I don't know if that is the case with your boy but apparently it's common when a new baby comes into the family.
Its perfectly normal behavior, and I found that some extra one on one time with the older child helps. Perhaps a story before bed each night would help settle him. I know this can be hard when you have a little baby to look after but I think that it can pay off.
My dd has been saying that I hug the baby much more than I do her and I explained to her that I love them equally but babies can't change their own nappies and feed themselves etc.... I offer my 6 year old a cuddle every day and try to read her a bedtime story and ask her if there's anything she wants to talk about.Some kids don't say anything and will just seek extra attention in different ways.
Over time, it'll pass.

Goodluck

[Minke]

I have a 6 year old and a 10 month old, DD has always slept in our room (not for trying) and doesn't seem to be anywhere near stopping. We can take her back to bed 3-4 times a night and she will still come in - honestly I have given up and told her she has to sleep on the floor, so now she brings a pillow and blanket...

If you find a solution, please tell... :o

[hippee]

Thanks guys after reading your replies and speaking with other mums from school I have discovered that this is happening to alot of people. DH had a chat with him last night and DS is nervous about meeting a new teacher and having a new class. So last night I popped a mattress on the floor and DS slept peacefully and all night. So he is well rested and not tired for today (we all are). I suppose thats the most important thing.

Thanks again.