Toddler Bedtime Routines

quinechinoise

My 3 year old is finally, after some considerable effort, sleeping beautifully in a "big boy" bed - staying in his own bed and sleeping through the night. (Well, bar the normal rare blip e.g. toilet or nightmare. Certainly, sleeping as peacefully as his older sibling.)

The only thing is: I have to sing a few songs while he drifts off to sleep. Do you think this is acceptable? Or, do you think 3 is "too old" for lullabies? Is it "not letting go"?

Half a dozen songs (as I sit beside the bed) takes maybe 5 to 10 minutes and he's fast asleep for the night. Leaving him by himself means he's still awake at around 10 pm.

Sambucus_Nigra

What do you mean 'acceptable'?

Surely you can work out that the difference is a good night's sleep and as such - it's a positive thing for your son?

What makes you think it's 'unacceptable' - and by whom?

Gillyx

It comes down to you, if you're happy to do it, then it's fine imo. It only becomes an issue when it's a problem for you, not when it's a problem for other people.

[Deleted User]

Our 3 year old gets 2 books read to him, followed by a couple of bedtime song. There's no harm in lullabies.

Rockporkchop

Whatever works for you is fine as far as I am concerned. I stroke my son's hair and sing a couple of songs while he drifts off to sleep. The same routine does get a bit tiresome sometimes but if I don't do it he will be rampaging around the house all evening. Anyway I figure that soon enough he will be embarrassed by my singing and cringing at my very touch so I am making the most of it while he is little!

glitter03

When my daughter was 2-3yrs old i had to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on repeat and she would drift off to sleep while i was singing.

Even now at 5yrs old when i take her up to bed i have to sing it one time before she goes to sleep :rotfl:


I dont see why it would be unacceptable? If it brings a comfort to your child then i dont see the harm!

skintchick

My DD is three and we hold her hand and song while she goes to sleep. Can't imagine why it wouldn't be considered ok. They are three not 33!

quinechinoise

skintchick wrote: »

They are three not 33!

I'm not the one who thinks our toddler is closer to 33!

My husband thinks I'll turn his son into a total "mummy's boy". He's been calling him "old man" and similar since he was born. "Too many" kisses is a no-no as well.

Oh, I do all these things anyway as I see no huge difference in my son at this age than my daughter was. But really, sometimes I end up feeling very defensive and wondering if everyone else has signed their babies up to army boot camp just because they are boys...

Gillyx

I am very cuddly with my little boy, when he lets me I shower him with kisses and cuddles, and give him comfort whenever he needs it. He falls asleep on his own at night, but that's because he has chosen to do that. If I attempt to cuddle or fuss with him he would never sleep.

I'd say if anything routines like that create secure and confident individuals, rather than mummys boys, but that's my personal opinion.

*max*

Acceptable? lol You're singing a 3 year old a couple of lullabies, you're not giving him a shot of tequila and an Ambien!

Of course it's fine, it's great! He goes to sleep feeling comforted and peaceful with mummy singing to him. It's lovely.

Your husband is a bit of a neanderthal isn't he?

Bestthingsinlifearefree

You and your OH should enjoy the magic of it for as long as your child wants a lullaby.

Our lad is nearly six (and a rough / tough but sweet kind boy) he enjoys a bed time story usually one from daddy and one from mummy and then a lullaby and prayers with mummy.

Tonight mummy was at the hairdressers so daddy did both stories, a lullaby ( a football song "here we go..here we go" and prayers ("thank you for our tasty food") our lad always thinks daddy prayers and lullabys are funny and not the proper ones like mummys:)

It's a chance for a bit of family time and our lad loves his bedtime routine he looks forward to it (and we enjoy it to)

He can have bedtime stories and a lullaby as long as he wants as far as I am concerned. It's like the magic of santa the longer it lasts the better.

Best