He won’t stay in bed | ADHD Information

My daughter drove us insane with getting up and messing about. We tried controlled crying when she was a baby and that didnt work. We bribed, that didnt work neither did taking her toys away or warm milk.

Sounds harsh but now that she's older she either stays in her bedroom or her door gets shut until she's asleep. I'll leave her door open so she can still hear us and Ive even given in and let her play as long as its in whispers and she doesnt get off her bed.

Give that a go maybe

I've got two boys (age 2 and 7) who have sometimes scrambled in and out of thier beds for 3 or 4 hours!  Three things which I believe have helped us are as follows:

Set up an invariable sequential bedtime routine.
Read stories every night, with them tucked in. 
Play the same Gearge Winston instrumental CD every night--softly.

Best of luck.
Gearhead

I still have this problem with my son and he is 14 years old. I think it's because of the medication he's on. My doctor recommended I give him warm milk before he goes to bed and also 3 mg of melatonin. It's a vitamin that relaxes them and helps them sleep. (not a sleeping pill.) Also, if your child likes to read, or listen to some soothing music, like waves breaking or the ocean, that helps too. We have cut out caffeine way before bed and that helps too. I think that they are just so overstimulated during the day, it's hard for them to relax and go to bed.  A nice hot shower before bed helps too.  Hope this helps

My daughter had stopped doing this for awhile, but is back at it again.  It was 2am the other morning before she finally went to sleep.  I am suspecting that her meds may be slightly off.  If it is getting really late, and she has school the next day, I give her a Benadryl.  She usually goes to sleep within the half hour after taking this.  I usually only use this as a last resort.  It is better than having her falling asleep during class the following day.I can totally sympathize with you.  My son does the same thing most nights buthe is ot nice about it all.  Usually he is beating on his younger brother....sigh....  And if I can get him to sleep then there is a good chance he will get up in the middle of the night and the next morning is just complete h*ll.......  I too hope to survive parenthood sane but I personally think that I may be slipping down that slope alreadyI used to pray for patience every night and for things to get better.  I guess it worked.  Good luck to everyone here around bedtime issues. This is the time I would or could totally loose it.  momiss238771.4248148148LOL.  That is exactly what he does.  Last night he had to put his Gatorade in the fridge.  I love him dearly, but I hope I survive parenthood sane.

Take his comforter/blanket and put it in the dryer for 10 min.  I do this for my ds and he usually stays in bed after that.  I put another blanket on top of the warm one to keep the heat in longer and I tell him if he gets in and out of bed the comforter will cool off faster.  I hope this helps.  It works for me most of the time.

susieb38771.3199305556

Thanks for the ideas, I will try them

 

crazymomma - Go ahead and vent I completely understand what your saying.  Some nights my son drives me insane, constantly getting up with one excuse or another. 

OH, I have to go to the bathroom again.

I need another sip of water.

I forgot to brush my teeth. (when he was told to go do it)

I'm starving. (already had a bedtime snack)

I didn't hug and kiss you. (when he did)

I need to tell you this, it's very important! (GRRR...It will take sometime to come to the point)

I forgot to take care of my toys.

Mom I just love you very much! (what do you do?? soften up a bit even though your frustration is off the charts)

And sometimes, the tears because he is frustrated because he truly can not go to sleep.

Fortunately, these nights are becoming less and less often as he grows, hes 10 now.  When it is bedtime, I'm in a hurry to get them there because this mom has had it, It is quiting time for me.  Peace and Quiet Please!!!

Bribery works great.  Just tell him that you will give him a star if he stays in bed without getting up.  The first night, tell him you'll bring him to get an ice cream cone or whatever else motivates him to do it (something he really wants).  Then the next night tell him if he gets 2 in a row he can have something.  Work up to 5 for the week for a good reward (a movie or something...).

You need to motivate him to stay in bed and break the cycle.

Okay, I failed the bedtime problems test, with my chid.  I tried everything and it didn't work, until he was older, like 12.  Like the bribery idea.  Sounds good to me.  Good Luck and I understand your frustration.I need to vent.  IF THAT KID WON'T STAY IN BED I WILL GO NUTS!!!!!  He can come up with more excuses.  Some nights are not so bad, but tonight sucks.  I do some of my work from home, and it makes it hard when he will not stay in bed.  When he gets up his sister gets up and then he gets up again.  AARGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  thank you for listeningHe does not act afraid, he is usually prancing and smiling.  I think he is just fighting sleep.  He barely drinks milk, so I think warm milk is out.  It is hard to take away toys or priviledges as my husband does not follow through with me.  I have been meaning to research the point/marble system, but have not had a chance to sit down in peace and quiet so I can absorb it.Have  you asked him why? Is he afraid?

Did you ever try warm milk, my son loves it when he has trouble falling asleep...also we have a rule to stay in bed...my son is not afraid he just like to get out of bed and goof off...I have  taken away toys for each time out of bed, ( he usually will not get out again) and I give points for staying in bed until morning ..things have gotten much better

Good luck