How to get a 3yo (almost 4) to stay in her bed and not scream for mummy at 3am?

My husband and I have mastered the going to bed routine but my daughter wakes up in the early hours- between 1 and 3 am and screams for me. When I go to her I am too knacked to do battle so she comes to back to bed with me. The odd nights that she does stay in her bed I shower her with praise to encourage her to continue, but she seems to get pleasure from making me pick her up at and bringing her to my bed. I am to tired to do otherwise. Last night she had the biggest grin on her face when she snuggled up to me, i felt a complete fool...she knows she has me over a barrel and I don't know what to do. Somebody help....at some point we plan to have another child and soon there won't be any space for my husband!

Answers:
You're going to have to battle. You can't let her come to bed with you. It won't stop until you make it. When she comes to bed with you pick her up and put her back in her bed and explain to her that she needs to sleep in her own bed at night.

Everytime she gets out and comes to your bed repeat this. It will be a war, but it needs to be done. Continue to praise her when she does stay in her bed all night. Give her special treats the next morning, such as her favorite breakfast or some sort of favorite desert later on.

be strong and do not give in. If you do give in that will only tell her that eventually she can have her way when she really wants it. You're the authroity, so you have to make sure she understands that what you say goes.

good luck!

You musn't give in to her !!! It will be hard but you will have to put up with it for a coupl of weeks!!! It will be worth it in the long run !!! Don't give up......show her you won't give in to her !!! You are the boss remember ! XXXXX

More Questions & Answers...

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

How to get a 3yo (almost 4) to stay in her bed and not scream for mummy at 3am?

Pregnancy & Parenting