Sleeping Issues

Grace now is in her big girl toddler bed which is super great right? Well, there is the problem that now Miss Thang can get out of her bed on her own accord, especially at nap and bedtime. At first we didn't have this problem because she didn't realize she had the power to do that. But now, she knows she has the power. It was getting into a major power struggle which I know isn't a good thing. I've done all the Love and Logic classes, read books, etc. I dealt with these things with middle schoolers for over 14 years now and I have learned my daughter can outlast them...she is one of the most tenacious people I have ever met in my entire life. It's like a no win situation. When we have the power struggle it ends in major temper tantrum/screamfest which leads to a bad night sleep. So, by accident I solved the problem but at the same time, I feel like a slacker parent. Let me explain. So, it was getting to be 9 p.m. Grace was popping out of her bed like a weed. I'd put her down. We did our whole nightime routine...lotion, pjs, books, prayer, music, back rub...she still wouldn't go down. I was so frustrated. I walked downstairs. Came back up because I felt incredibly guilty for the screaming even though I was still talking to her telling her where I was. So, I ended up laying on my bed, turning on the TV and watching one of my TV shows...guess who fell asleep shortly thereafter? Naptime on the weekends is the same way so I put on Yo Gabba Gabba and tell her we are going to rest watching the show. She falls asleep and I guess it's because she has seen these episodes like millions of times. Her sleep is for more than an hour and it's restful. So, putting on the TV before she falls asleep is becoming a routine. I feel like it's probably not the greatest thing but it's working for us. She's falling asleep in a peaceful way and she's staying asleep peacefully and getting up refreshed and in a good mood. I know some people would totally frown on this but it's working for us right now.

Here is the one thing I am learning about motherhood that I didn't get before. You have to try and do some things that others disprove of and that's okay. So, I have a lot more understanding of moms and dads now parenting in unique ways. I used to be very judgemental before but now I get it.