Prue DeAraugoThere were three in the bed ….
November 9th 2009 23:59
What started out as an occasional nocturnal visit from our 3 year old has now turned into a nightly occurrence of sleep interrupting jostling, twisting and turning in an effort to accommodate our growing boy. Clearly relishing in the comfort and security that exists right in between mum and dad, our previously ‘great sleeper’, who didn’t mind a dark room or a shut door is now consistently disrupted. The fact that this co-sleeping habit coincides with the emergence of a very over active imagination is not lost on me. Every morning I ask him why he came down to mummy and daddy’s bed, the answer always involves a detailed description of a monster under his bed or scary things in the dark. So, much like every other child rearing ‘stage’ we have encountered, I immediately set about researching how we can transition to the next phase quickly and effectively in order to regain some semblance of restful sleep once more.
My research thus far reveals sites jam packed with helpful information on the monsters, the dark and the habit itself.
Let’s work through this plethora of advice. Firstly, how do we handle those pesky monsters? Admittedly, we did start out denying that monsters even existed but I quickly recalled that my own childhood imaginings often frightened me and we immediately changed tack. The monsters would be scared of our loyal and lovely dog…yes that was perfect and our son seemed really keen on that concept. No change. We then tried some Monster Repellent (lavender water in a spray bottle); again our little boy completely embraced spraying under his bed as the monsters would not like the smell. Again no change.
Moving on. A nightlight was in order. Done. Unfortunately, we quickly discovered that even a tiny 15 watt bulb created a luminous display like he had never experienced. It was such a huge departure from his previous sleep routine, of a completely dark room, that the fun and exciting distraction was preventing him from actually going to sleep. As a compromise, we have settled on leaving the door ajar with the nearby bathroom light on. Again no change.
I now have to admit, albeit with a slight tinge of angst, that the most enduring advice will most definitely ensure our nights get worse way before they get better but is the one that really and truly works. We, and by that I mean my husband (ha!), simply must commit to taking our son back to bed the moment he arrives at our door. Silently and calmly, we must be determined and resolute in our desire to take back the night. Duly noted.
We’ll start next week!
On a side note, I thought I should include some of the other ‘this worked for me’ advice. Put a fan in their room, so they can’t hear every single (scary) noise. Give them a magic wand or magic sprinkling salt shaker to scare away the monsters. Let them sleep on a mattress on the floor of your bedroom but never in your bed. Help them create an imaginary friend as a comfort (other than you). An oldie but a goodie, establish a reward chart. A torch and spray bottle combo.
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