ok 1 more sleeping post

I just need to vent - I want so badly to hold my daughter, rock her to sleep, put her in her crib and have a nice night.

I would be happy to rub her back until she falls asleep.

I want to tell her how much I love her, and put her to sleep with a soft gentle voice with a lullabye playing in the background.

but I am SO frustrated that none of this works. She only takes advantage and wants more and cries harder when I stop - and then I have to turn into sleep enforcer mean mommy who says sternly - go to sleep - night after night. I hate that CIO is the only method that works for her and that it is more totureous (sp?) for me than it is for her. I hate hearing her cry and not being able to do anything to fix it.

I am sad about this more than the fact that I am exhausted and so is she. I just want to hold her and make it all ok and I can't....grrrrrrr.....

Re: ok 1 more sleeping post

wow, that sounds like a lot to deal with. I have no advice, just some hugs hope it gets better for the both of you

Re: ok 1 more sleeping post

Obviously, I do not have experience with this situation, but I do know that when my friend's daughter was having sleeping problems (she was 3) what finally solved it was getting her a twin bed.

Re: ok 1 more sleeping post

I'm so sorry you're having trouble. It is so sad to see your child crying and feel like you can't comfort them. I have no advice on how to get her to sleep, but when you're going through it remind yourself that by being the "enforcer" you are not being mean or depriving her. As long as you offer her some nightly routine that includes some cuddling time, maybe a lullabye, etc, then it is entirely okay to stop it there and not continually read more books, cuddle continuously, etc. Even though I know you would probably rather have the extra cuddles!

Re: ok 1 more sleeping post