This tip is new to me... I read about it somewhere (online? a book?) a while back, but I don't remember where. If it happens to be from your blog or website, let me know so I can give you proper credit!
My 4 year-old daughter has gotten into a bad habit recently of getting up numerous times after she's tucked in bed for the night. Each time it's something different- she needs a drink, she wants another hug, etc. Nothing we did kept her in bed.
So, yesterday at the local dollar store I ran into a display of teacher supplies. (OK, not literally... I walked past it.) There on the display was a plastic "Hall Pass" with a little string loop for hanging it on a hook. I bought one, and told DD that would be her bedtime hall pass. She can turn it in one time per night for one trip out of bed for a drink, potty, etc. If she absolutely HAS to go to the bathroom after she's used the pass, she can go, but she's not allowed to talk to anyone-- just straight to the bathroom and back.
Last night was the first time we used it. It was hanging on her doorknob when she went to bed. About ten minutes later, as expected, she came for an extra hug and gave me her pass. Then, that was it! It worked! One of the first things she said this morning was "Mommy I stayed in bed all night after I used my pass." I told her how happy I was about that and how proud I was of her.
I hesitated about posting this under Works for Me Wednesday since we've only tried it one night so far, but I thought someone else might be able to use the idea. So far, it works for us! Check out more Works For Me Wednesday tips over at Rocks in my Dryer!
I love this idea! I'm blessed that my baby is still confined in his crib, but he has never been fond of bedtime. I have a feeling we'll be using your tip in the future. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love that idea. I am going to try it on my 2.5 y/o.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I love this idea! My almost-four-year old is the exact same way! I have to try this. It may just solve all our nighttime problems!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to join your meme! I'll try to remem.
What a fantastic idea. I am sharing it with everyone I know. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I love this idea especially since my 4 year old son gets up numerous times during the night.....DRIVES ME INSANE!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting!
Linda
That is a good idea. I hope it continues to be a great success. I'll remember it for future use if needed for sure.
ReplyDeleteWow!! We aren't to the "Big Girl Bed Stage" with DD, but when we get there, if she wants to get out of bed a lot, I am definitely trying this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the idea.
Alicia
ps: thanks for the link to my crafty blog on your page as well :)
Terrific idea! If it doesn't last,(God forbid) you might also consider offering an incentive for a certain number of nights that she chooses NOT to use her pass. Keep reinforcing that she's chosen to use it or not use it (that she did a great job planning potty ahead of time, etc.); it will empower her.
ReplyDeleteOkay, one more idea on this subject. I know this sounds nuts, but a couple of times in my son's past, I stopped some troubling behaviors by simply saying, "You know that ----- thing that you have been doing?" He said, "Uh-huh." I said, "You're not going to do that any more." "I'm not?" he'd ask. "Nope." I'd say. Oddly enough, he'd stop! Go figure.
ReplyDelete