For the past three nights of putting Leilani to sleep in her bed, she’s been in denial.
The first night when I said it was time to sleep (after reading two books), she got all upset and said she just wanted to “rest.” I said that it was night time and we go to sleep, gave her a hug and a kiss and said good night (I’m still laying down in her bed to get her to sleep). She got upset again and rolled around some more. Then she wanted out of bed and I had to hold her back. That resulted in a small tantrum, like during the naps, and I gave her a short timeout in bed. She calmed herself and laid down, I fell asleep and she must have as well.
The second night was better. After reading one long story (the “big” Snow White book), I said good night and laid down to sleep next to her. She protested and said she just wanted to rest. I explained how it’s night time, she had her pajamas on and had brushed her teeth, I had let her watch some Pippi on the DVD player, and she needs to go to get some sleep now. I really want to reinforce the routine, so she knows what to expect, and that she knows it’s time for her to stop stalling and asking for things. She protested some more, but gently and we cuddled and went to sleep.
Last night I finally caught on. After all the routine and the story, I turned out the light and said it was time to rest now. She agreed and I said “rest well” and we laid down. She gave me a hug and a kiss, and turned over and went to sleep.
I don’t understand the distinction in her mind. I still think she is trying to stay awake, or hoping it’s just a nap and she can get up soon and play again, but maybe not. As long as she falls asleep and sleeps all night in her bed, which she does, I’m ready to play along.
