The Joys of “Just Trying to Help”
Posted on July 18, 2008 - Filed Under Personal |
My kids are notorious for having sleep issues and I`ve been trying very hard to fix them. One of the problems we`ve been facing is that Dante is an extremely light sleeper.
For the past few nights, Irving has been going to pick up his mom at her work. He takes Dorian with him. They leave after dinner, around 6 and don`t return until around 8. Dorian`s bedtime is at 7. Dante`s bedtime is at 7.
So, the scenario is something like this . . . Dante gets fussy and cranky and I put him to bed. He bawls his eyes out because he still hates his crib, but finally falls asleep around 7:30. Twenty to thirty minutes later, Dorian enters, already grumpy and fussy because he`s overtired. I`m right in the middle of working. Irving attempts to put an overtired, over stimulated toddler to bed, which results in screaming, tantrums and kicking. The baby wakes up screaming. I get no work done, miss my deadlines, both kids end up being awake and crying, Irving gets frustrated and angry and leaves. 
To me, it`s a simple problem with a simple solution. Don`t take Dorian out. Both kids get to wind down before bed (that`s the big issue here with Dorian, he needs the time to calm down and relax before he is put to bed) and both go to bed at the same time, eliminating the need to wake the other up when the second is dragged kicking and screaming to his bed.
Irving feels he is just helping and tiring Dorian out, while letting me have some quiet time (between Dante sleeping and Dorian coming home) to get some work done. I know he is trying to help. I love him and I love that he is making an effort. BUT, at the same time, it is most definitely not working and apparently I don`t know how to tell him that without being too critical!
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Hi Genesis;
Sleep problems are the worse. When mama gets tired, ain’t nobody gonna be happy.
Have you tried some lavender essential oil (in spray form or make your own spritzer with a spray bottle, some pure essential oil mixed with either denatured alcohol or with bottled water (not tap as this has bacteria). Only mix a small amount-enough to get you through a week or two…spritz his pillow. It should help him relax.
I also recommend valerian (herbal) you could get a tincture and give him a few drops 30 minutes prior to bed time. It will help him relax and his sleep will become deeper. It worked for my oldest, who also had sleep issues. You should be able to locate Valerian (for kids) online, if you don’t have a natural food store near you.
xoxox
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted