In a previous post, I mentioned how bedtimes in my house are usually unsettled & that I was beginning to get quite anxious at the prospect of being up late into the early hours revising for one course, while still studying for another. This week I did an experiment, which was hard to do, but once I got my head around the potential long term outcome it was worth it.
Well the experiment was to let Lillie stay up until she decided it was time for her to go to bed. However, this meant Lillie being in her room, with 'all' the things she wanted around her - colouring book & crayons, drawing board, her interactive 'Barbie' globe, books, a bedtme drink & Willa the II. The first night, (Tuesday), I thought it would be quite difficult breaking my habit of repeatedly putting her back into bed. However, the house felt calmer & more happier as Lillie was not having to go to bed & I was not being disturbed while studying!
For the last two evenings when Lillie has got tired at around 9pm, she has shouted down to me that she is going to sleep now! I check on her about 10 minutes later to find she has switched off her fairy lights & is sleeping peacefully. Oh & she leaves her colouring book open to show me in the mornings what she has done....
I think once the novelty wears off for Lillie, she will probably go to sleep at an earlier time, as the last two evenings have been earlier than the first two. However, I now belief that unless we have a planned day out it doesnt matter what time she gets to sleep, as long as she is 'chilling out' in the evenings & can wake up when she wants, it cant do her any harm. I think the approach before was harmful for the both of us with getting cross & upset with each other most evenings.
Now peace has been restored.... (I hope, lol).
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