We are having a most unusual situation with one of our children. I'm at my wits end and not sure what to do.
This child as a toddler when put to bed would SCREAM until she fell asleep. She refused to be rocked, cuddled or soothed in any way. It just didn't work. It was awful for everyone involved in the bed time routine. By the time she was in a normal bed, this habit had ended. However, 3 nights ago, she threw-up and for some reason, her night time world has been thrown askew. She was afraid to return to sleep that night and was up until 1 or 2 in the morning, back and forth in our room and her bed. We don't allow the children to sleep in our room except as a privelege and what they call a "sleepover." I went and slept in the guest bedroom and let Stan deal with Brynn. He has more patience than I do at night. The next day she woke up, sweet as can be, as if she hadn't been freaking out for half of the night. We put her to bed the next night and she tried to become overanxious with us and say she couldn't go to sleep for whatever reason, begging to sleep in our room, stay up, be slept with, thousands of hugs and prayers. She was desparate. She finally drifted off to sleep when she realized we weren't playing games. However, at 1 in the morning, she woke up, demanding attention. She SCREAMED when she learned we still weren't playing the games. We had to take her to the basement because she was causing such a fuss. We had made a deal with her and in her completely overtired and overanxious state she didn't keep her end of the bargain. She was completely irrational and unable to be reasoned with, just like a toddler. It was FRUSTRATING, to say the least. Night 3, last night, started much the same. We did all the usual, this was after a day of praise of all kinds, for everything good she did, to make sure she knew that she is loved and appreciated, etc. She tried playing tricks again. We decided in order to keep our sanity, we would lock our bedroom door in the night time. If the kids need us, they'll knock. I wake easily. Well, she freaked out again last night, earlier this time. Screaming, beating on our door etc. We let her know we were here and we had prayed with her and for her. Several hugs were given, etc. Does anyone have any advice? Is this normal for an 8 year old to return to toddler-like behavior? She's too big to put in a crib she can't climb out of. We are all exhausted and by night time she is nearly delirious and then we start all over again. I have to say that we've been more patient than usual, thanks to the help of the Spirit, but we could use some ideas if anyone has any! I only post these details of crazy behavior because I want help.
3 comments:
I don't know since it has been for three nights, but I thought maybe night terrors? Growing up, we had a neighbor whose kids had night terrors. Like a nightmare but appeared to be awake. Problem is they are not so they act irrational and crazy and then the morning they don't even remember what happened. Because I babysat there a lot the parents told me how to take care of it if the kids ever had one while I was there. Biggest problem is you can't wake them from it. You have to settle them down and get them back to sleep and then wake them up. Kind of weird and had me a bit freaked at night that they would have one while I was there. (these sweet little kids would scream and fight their mom like she was the angel of death.) I don't know if that helps at all but I thought it would suggest it. I don't know if someone could have them consecutively for three nights.
If she is just being a stink, then stick to your guns! If the kid gets real loud I usually remove the other kid from the room, not the trouble maker. The other one usually goes right back to sleep on the floor in the other kid room and I don't have to remove the problem from their room at all. But my kids rooms aren't right next to each other so it makes it possible.
But good luck!!! Hopefully it will all be over soon. (I am not the best parent at night either! I am so happy we can tag team or at times I turn it all over to Patrick cause it's just better that way!)
Gravol. It will help her get sleepy. Some may not agree. But I am not suggesting this just to drug her up. She is porbably in a routine that she is just as frustrated with as you are. She does not have the abiltiy to Not feel anxiety, even if it is for ridiculous reasons. She may just need something to get her started and get one good night of sleep to get over being so over tired. She may be having a catastrophic reacton to being over tired and can't physically control her anxiety level. You could also try warm milk, if you are against the gravol idea. Good luck
Jolynne
Wow, your nights sound like the last 4 months of our lives. I am so sorry to hear about that! We have still not found a solution but melatonin works wonders and it is totally natural. Our other help was homeschooling but seeing as you already do that I am no help to you at all! ;)
Kim
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