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? asked in Pregnancy & ParentingToddler & Preschooler · 10 years ago

I'm babysitting a 3 year old, I can't put her to sleep! help me please!!?

Hi there! so this is the second time i babysit my (almost) 4 year old niece, she is such a nice kid! she really is, but every time it's time to get to bed she goes crazy, she says she wants to go back to the TV room or in the living room i know that, that particular bedroom does not scare her it's just she won't go to sleep and she keeps crying!

I tried to roc her but she is so tens, I tried to talk to her but she still cryes.

I took her in my arms and took her for a walk around the appartment and it worked but when I took her back to bed she started crying and say " Nononono back to the living room, i don't want to go to sleep!" WHAT CAN I DO?! usually i'm good with kids but i don't know what's with her:( Help ?!

5 Answers

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  • Pink Poodle
    Lv 5
    10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Make a bedtime routine.

    *Warn her 30 min. before bed time, then 15 min. before, then 10 min. before then 5 min. before. (This will help transition her)

    *Tell her its bedtime and she needs to brush her teeth, go potty, etc. (If she refuses to do this threaten to not read her any books.)

    *When she's done brushing teeth, etc. and if she has listened and done what you asked then tell her she can pick out 2 books. Read her the books.

    *When your done reading kiss her goodnight, tell her you love her, etc. and leave.

    *If she cries, let her! This may be hard but, the reason she cries is because she's trying to manipulate you into letting her get up! (And its been working!)

    *If she gets up out of bed take her back to her room. The first time she does this say "Its bedtime, sweetie." the second time say in a firm voice "Its bedtime." After that do not talk to her! Simply lead her back to her bed.

    She will get the message eventually that you mean business. You shouldn't be rocking a 3 year old to sleep.. That's for babies up to like, 1 and a half. Don't walk her around the apartment.. Just do the steps above and everything will be fine. Be consistent! DO NOT GIVE IN!

    Best of luck to you!

  • Barbara C
    Lv 6
    10 years ago

    Get yourself a book, or magazine and put her in bed and then sit in her doorway (or where you can see her) and read. Give her a hug and kiss, read her a book or sing one single song and then Tuck her in and say "sweet dreams" (or whatever you say). Don't speak to her, no matter what she says to make you feel guilty, even if she asks you questions, DON'T respond. If she gets out of bed, very calmly stand up, put her back in bed and sit back down without a word. It will take a couple times to learn that you are in charge, but hey, you are getting paid and you can catch up on your reading!

    Source(s): mommy of five P.S. after she figures out that you are not going to give in to her anymore, you won't have to sit in the doorway.
  • Amanda
    Lv 6
    10 years ago

    before she gets into bed, read her a book, calmly and quietly. this should help calm her down, and then, you can either leave her in the room and let her cry for a bit, or you can sit in there with her as she falls asleep, as long as she stays in the bed.

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    yeah like they said....let her cry herself to sleep its the only way she will go to bed

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  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    I can help.

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