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Our DD was the best sleeper until about age 3. I would just kiss “good night” and turn off the light. But close to age 3 she developed fears (of dark, of monsters, of open blinds at night…) even after we introduced the night light in her room. And it was a genuine fear. I’ve never been brave enough to attempt “crying it out” but a couple of times I left her in the room for a minute or two, she would be afraid and hide under blankets. So either I or DH has been holding her hand while she is falling asleep and we have the lullaby music on.
At age 3, she would want to chat with me while I am holding her hand. I read 1 trick in the Parenting magazine – to warn her that I would move away from her 1 step further every time she wants to look around or chat. She learned very quickly and on our most “talkative” nights I would not be further than 3 steps away from her.
Now at almost 5y.o. our DD is not afraid of monsters, we don’t have to close the blinds or make sure the closet doors are shut all the way, and she does not have a need to chat. But we do have the same routine of holding her hand. I am sure we could work on breaking this routine. But on most days I look forward to this routine and our bond, and it’s the best part of the day - to hold and kiss her hand, to sit in peace and reflect on my own thoughts. Since she gave up her naps at pre-school, she falls asleep quite fast. I am sure this routine is not for most, but it does work for us.
As far as TV watching, on some nights I allow DD to unwind and watch Sprouts or Noggin. Again, at age 3-4 I had to give her warning signs “only for 10 minutes and I will let you know when it’s almost over,” “it’s 5 minutes left,” “it’s 1 minute left and I am coming upstairs.” Your post reminded me how easier it gets with them growing. Our DD is going to be 5 at the end of this month and we don’t have to give her warnings about TV anymore.
3 is a tough age, hang in there!!!
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Anna
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