my poor child is sleeping on the floor

**AmyMCGS** · 12-06-2004, 11:46 PM

I feel like such a mean mommy!

DD no longer stays in her crib, likes the toddler bed for sitting but not sleeping, and once even climbed over the gate we put on her bedroom door. She wants to sleep with us every night. That's ok, but I don't sleep too well with her kicking me all night, and both of us really needed some rest.

Finally, I ordered a book about getting your child to sleep. I can't say that I agree with everything in it (BTW, I'm normally an attachment-parenting kind of mom), but, I was getting desperate for some real sleep. So, last night I tried the book's recommended method of putting her in her room and letting her more or less cry it out (which was pure torture for me-- DH was at work). The book said that if I did have to go in for some reason, to not talk to her, cuddle her, or anything- just do what I needed to do (retrieve her baby doll from the hallway-- there's no way she'll fall asleep without baby) and walk back out without speaking to her. I did that two or three times, and I felt so mean! It was all I could do not to hug her and "rescue" her. It took about 45 minutes before she finally fell asleep on the floor, just inside the gate to her room. She woke up crying at 3:30am, and out of habit I got her and put her in bed with me-- then I realized my mistake. She slept the rest of the night with me.

Tonight, it took about five minutes of crying before she decided to lay down on the floor. She'd thrown her baby doll out the gate and couldn't reach her, so all I heard was a sad little "bay-bee, bay-bee". I went down the hall and she looked up at me & pointed to her baby. When I gave her the baby, she layed down on the floor and went to sleep within a few minutes. I really want to go pick her up and put her in the nice soft bed, but, I know she'll wake up if I move her. So, I guess she's sleeping on the floor again tonight.

So, am I a mean mommy or what?

I feel so bad about her sleeping on the floor, but I really don't know what else to do.

**mrscornbread** · 12-06-2004, 11:54 PM

Things will get better Amy, hang in there. Sleeping on the floor builds character, especially in this case! Smile

**DaisyLady** · 12-07-2004, 06:51 AM

I went through this with my youngest (who is now 13). It about a week and he was getting into bed and going to sleep without any fuss at all.

I would say you are not a mean mom but a loving and caring one. You are setting limits for your daughter. Good for you!

**Darlene** · 12-07-2004, 08:23 AM

She knows you love her. I think your doing just fine & don't worry, she'll find her way to bed.
I understand your feelings (been there)& it's not easy.

**pqb52** · 12-07-2004, 08:59 AM

Your doing the right thing Amy, and you are not a mean mom.

**AmyMCGS** · 12-08-2004, 08:34 AM

Well, I'm happy to report that last night I got the bright idea to move the toddler bed to the side of the room by the door (where she's been sleeping on the floor)-- and not only did she sleep in it, she actually crawled into it herself as soon as I moved it! AND she was asleep within about five minutes- no crying!! When I checked on her later, she had thrown out my pillow (another tactic I'd tried) and gotten hers, and was even snuggled up under her blanket (which normally gets tossed aside). I don't know why she wants to sleep right next to the door, but, as long as she's sleeping, I'm happy. I just wish I'd thought of that sooner!

**Darlene** · 12-08-2004, 09:24 AM

LOL, Amy. You get bonus points for figuring this one out.

**sixfreds** · 12-08-2004, 12:07 PM

You are not a mean mommy you are teaching her...

I'm glad that last night was better.

Eileen

**voodidit** · 12-08-2004, 12:34 PM

You are a wonderful mom!

Ashely already has Wynter going to sleepby herself, she puts her in her crib, tells her it'sbedtime,covers her up and closes the door. She may fuss 5 minutes and then she's asleep, I think it amazes my mom who still wants to rock her to sleep..lol