After 12 days of co-sleeping, breaking routines, skipping naps, K’s sleeping habits have regressed. For the past 3 days since we got back from our vacation, I have to re-train him all over again to sleep by himself.
Sleeping routines have got back to usual, more or less. Except that he is very bad tempered, stubborn, un-cooperative and has started screaming when he does not get his way. When I ask him what is wrong with him, he tells me, “Not enough sleep.” A lousy excuse when he gets up early, too early at 7.30 a.m. and then refuses to go back to sleep.
So I have resorted to using the threat of ‘the hanger’ a little too often these past couple of days. K is absolutely terrified of the sight of ‘the hanger’ and that is probably the only thing that can coerce good behaviour out of him for now. Besides ‘the hanger’, I have another trump card for now; his birthday cake and presents. His birthday is approaching in about a weeks’ time and I have told him that if continues to misbehave, there will be no cake, no presents, no celebration.
Sometimes, all it takes is that potential thought of a loss of privileges, that might get a tot to wise up a little.
It takes patience, lots of effort and a little 'innovation' to train our children to soothe themselves to sleep, isn't it. Jia you!
wow, I had a great time seeing all your vacation photos. That makes me wanting a vacation too all so badly haha.
After a long break from the usual routine, all kids behave the same way ya?
Patience, patience and more patience. we adults just can't bring ourselves to throw tantrum like kids too =p
Rachel, One thing that I have learn since being a parent, is that parenting really needs lots of patience. Sometimes when things get a little tiring, I wish it could be as easily solved by throwing a tantrum
Thanks for your encouragement Tin. Jia You to you too as well! As I know it has not be easy for you as well.
Jia you and be patient. Even when you think your preschooler is sleeping and eating well etc etc for the past 6 months to a year, still be prepared that things can change out of the blue. It happens as I constantly experience new challenges from my 3 yr old but we just need to be really really consistent and firm in order to put things under control.
One suggestion which I personally practice when we go on holidays is, never co-sleep with the kid. At 20 months, I put him on his on super single bed (or mattress to be safer) in the hotel for naps and night-time sleep. We went through the same routines like we do at home (reading, chatting, singing before sleep) so he has less chances to regress after holidays.
Karen, that’s so true, nothing is consistent when it comes to caring for a child, but consistence really needs to come from us. I have learnt my lesson from this holiday; never let him co-sleep on the same bed