desprate mum can't get child to sleep in own bed.

[sandyw]

Just wondering if any one knows any tips to get a 6 year old to sleep in own bed and at a normal hour.
my husband now works night shift i seem to be doing those hours to. since my husband has started night shift my daughter wont sllep in her own bed. i have tried getting her to sleep in our bed but by the time i get her in her bed she wakes and screams, i have also tried hard love and birbery but no good. it's not that bad when hes at work but when hes home theres no us time. he dose not matter as she is DADDYS GIRL> please help if you have any tricks.:banghead:

[Flicka]

IMO there aren't any tricks. My DS has been the same on occasions when DH is on nightwork and it can be really tough. I guess if you have ruled out any underlying issues (fear, sickness etc) then just putting her back time after time is the only solution until she understands. I just keep putting my DS back even if I have to get out of bed 20 times to do it...........but that is what I do and it might not be right for your family. Good luck!

[sandyw]

i have tried many of ways. i guess its harder to do as she is daddys little girl and i do that through the week then when hes home its like oh let her sleep in here shes not hurting any one. but i believe it is to her. but i am no child doctor either.

[Flicka]

I agree - you and hubby need to be a united front on this one. I myself have just had an evening of my 2 year old getting up time after time since 7pm. I am hoping he is going to sleep but I can still hear him chatting away in his room. He is unsettled because daddy is at work - a bit like your daughter. I just stand my ground without getting angry or upset and put him back to bed. Take heart - surely they will grow out of this!!!

[Stargazer Lily]

Hi, I agree with Flicka - staying calm and standing your ground should improve things

but I know that's easier said than done in the middle of night, especially if you're on your own!

another suggestion is...

could you let her sleep on a mattress on the floor in your room, rather than in your bed?
that way she gets to be close (for comfort) but you still get your personal space

this was suggested to us when we're having trouble with our 3 year old coming into our bed

it worked well for us - she knew that she could come in and lie down there if she wanted to, and she soon worked out that her bed was much nicer!

also, as your daughter is 6, I would try having a chat with her about the issue, and find out why she's doing it, and see if there's anything you can do to make her bed and room more appealing
maybe a nightlight, glow in the dark stickers, music?? is she warm enough? etc

I do think though, if your hubby is happy to accept it when he's home, then it's going to be hard for you to keep her out when he's away

good luck!