The last month or so has been challenging: a short while before then, we moved Hannah from a crib to a full size bed. At the time she was able to crawl in to her crib by herself, so we figured it was time (if she could crawl in, she could likely crawl out, with less than favorable results, due to a lack of a mattress on the floor). But since then, we’ve had a very hard time with Hannah staying in bed after lights out. She was bugging Mal so much that they slept separated for some time, which went well. But then back together, Hannah could stay up partying for up to 2 hours.
Then a couple days ago I saw the idea of using ‘get out of bed’ cards. Each kid gets one card (which I hastily made one night right before bed), which they can use once to get out of bed for whatever reason – potty, water drink, diaper, whatever. When they use it they give it up, and from then on they have to stay in bed. The theory being that it gives them control over their situation. So the last few days have gone pretty well. Every night Hannah comes down, card out in front ready for presentation. One night for the toilet. One night needing a diaper change. Etc. Mal has yet to use the cards, which we expected (but didn’t want to leave her out).
And then tonight… Mal comes down from bed. Hands her card to Adrienne, and says she wants more snuggles from Mom and Dad.
These are the things to remember. And after hugs and “good nights” and “I love you’s,” Mal asks that from now on, I leave by wishing her “good dreams.”
Happy to oblige kid, happy indeed.