Hi,

Those of you who have read my posts know that I have 2 girls ages 5 and 6, they have had the same bedtime schedule for the last 3 or 4 years, they get supper, a bath, one movie (during which they get to come down for 1 more drink and 1 more potty break)and after the movie I tuck them in and give them a kiss, I have told them every night after they are tucked in that is it, no more comming down and no more calling me upstairs, yet even after 3 or 4 years that still has'nt sunk in, every night I still hear Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, or they are up and down the stairs or they sneek into each others rooms and play, I have tried giving them time outs the next day, I have tried ignoring their requests, I have tried sending them back up as soon as they come down, it would'nt be so bad if it was once and a while but it is every night,does anyone have any suggestions on how to get them to understand that bedtime is bedtime

TTal, I went through this too when my daughter was little. My daughter is 12 years old. I still hate to disappoint her with what seems so petty...but its not petty. Your kids have learned what they are getting away with (calling you)and they know what they can do, and they know you hate to ignore their needs. They got your number. Now you have to do some heavy duty week long dicipline and stick to it....

One week off their routine of that movie/potty break and the next week it'll have them doing exactly what you say. they need to learn that you mean business. "I said don't call me and don't come down stairs" "Now the tv goes off and you go to bed". You must follow through with the threat that if they call you the tv is going off. And do it. Shut it off, let them cry. By the third day they will not bother you anymore. Trust me. Hope it help,you can't always do what is easy, they will walk all over you. When they are crying up in bed, just keep saying I told you.. and I meant it. Goodnight and I love you.

Tonia,

I certainly don�t have the solution to your problem, and that is a tough one.

But of one thing I am sure of : watching TV every day before bedtime is probably the worst possible way to wind down for anyone, and much worse for little kids.

A suggestion: now, in summer they might want to play outside after dinner, then, an hour or less before bedtime you can call them in for their bath (they might accept that, if they like the bath), and bedtime is immediately after the bath. Reading in bed is allowed of course.

Also, plan to have them in bed a little later than usual in the first place, but not too much of course.

By the time winter comes they will be used to the fact that TV is a NO NO after dinner time, for anyone of course.

And the fact that the adults do watch TV when the kids are sleeping is another thing altogether.

Actually, in a few years they might get permission to watch a little TV with Mommy after the bath, for example. But that is a �special permission� and if they don�t go right up after the agreed time then next time they can�t watch at all.

At least, this is the way I will TRY to have it

Let me know what you did and if it worked ! I am sure I can use the experience when mine is older.

I know, you always get most advice from people who haven�t been through it themselves, like me !

Daniela

Red has valid points. However, my daughter did, and does still wind down with a little tv. It depends on what tactic you use to deal with your girls...in other words, what you do to punish them. I am a no nonsense person, and my daughter takes me serious most of the time. Always has. Don't get me wrong.... I am very loving, but very firm when the rules are concerned. Some moms have trouble with disappointing their kids, letting them cry about something like that. I personally think that if you don't show them what you say is what you mean, and if they are already manipulating you to do as they please, that it sets you up for manipulation from them when they get older. (they have practiced) I don't know you so that is about the best advice I can think to give you.

note: Because of my shift, (I work midnights) I am usually just up when she gets home from school, and most awake about her bedtime. So I am pretty fresh then where most moms are tired too. I am usually not too tired to deal with any problems that arise after school hours. So it's been an issue in the past, but not a huge one for me.

(Now catch me in the morning when I am exhausted and wooooweeeeee).

Note to Red,

When I let the girls watch their movie I turn out the lights and turn down the brightness and volume on the tv so it is dark and quiet in the room, and I try to choose movies that aint to stimulating

YUKI,

In response to your question, the girls bedtime is 9:00 pm