Monday, August 9, 2010

Calling ALL Parents....

I need help. Actually Naia and I need your help. She can't sleep. She won't sleep. Therefore I don't get to sleep. I don't know what to do. She's 6 years old. She cries, screams, moans, for me ALL night long. She cries b/c she can't get to sleep even though she's been asleep for a few hours. Then she won't go back to sleep in her bed. Last night Brent and I were up with her about 30 minutes before I caved in and put her on the couch with me. I just held her close so she'd quit crying and actually go back to sleep. She did after about an hour. I haven't had a full night of sleep in over a month. Between her and Paxton (who's finally sleeping in his own bed, but wakes up a couple of times a night) the nights are VERY long here. I need prayers. I covet your prayers. I also covet an ideas that would help us! Let me tell you a few things I've tried. Spanking...never works for her! Sticker chart. She didn't really care. We've tried taking away privileges. It doesn't effect her at all. I have made her a pallet in my floor. She does sleep there but not very well. She wakes up with dark circles under eyes. I know she's so tired. I'm so tired. School starts back next week and I'm worried that this will effect her there as well. Nothing catastrophic has happened to her. She's not been away from me much at all this summer. We did watch Old Yeller and this started the night of that. I don't know if it's just habit now or what....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We are pretty routine people, so we have a decent summer bedtime routine.

3 comments:

Christine @ 12,450miles said...

Oh no!!! I'm so sorry to hear this! You know we struggle with sleep as well... I'll be sending you lots of prayers and positive thoughts. I have no ideas, but it could definitely be a habit now.... Nightlight? Tough love? I don't know!

Tim and Karen said...

Is she waking up from night terrors? My son has these when his schedule is a little off or if he is overly tired. He will wake up screaming and crying, sweaty, and nothing can soothe him until he completely wakes up. It's pretty scary. Does she possibly have an ear infection or something like that? If there is even a remote chance it's something medical, take her to the doctor. If he/she says she's fine, then you might have to do tough love like mentioned above and ignore her cries. Does she have a nightlight? Music? Security blanket or stuffed animal? Maybe pray with her before she goes to bed and model for her how to ask God to help her if she is scared in the night. I hope you all get a good night's sleep soon! Praying for you guys.

Heather M. said...

If your doctor approves, I have given mine a dose of Benadryl prior to bedtime when they've been really off on their sleeping. It just seems to get them into a deep sleep & they have slept all night. I hope you get some rest...