I’ve written before about how tough I can find it to keep Poppet still and happy for 4 1/2 hours at a time (even though it is just once a week). The other day I hit my breaking point. She had done so well for the first 2 hours of services, and on the hour-long break she was full of energy and really tired. I tried so hard to get her to sleep for the other 1 1/2 hours, but she just couldn’t seem to fall asleep. The same old pattern emerged. Put her down, screaming, pick her up, screaming, try to nurse her, screaming, try to cuddle, screaming….. she doesn’t know what she wants, and I don’t know what to do to console her!
I can feel the eyes of all those around me, wondering why I can’t get her under control. Trust me, we’ve tried everything! So finally, this morning, I woke up, locked myself in the bathroom, and had a good cry. It felt great! It let all the pent-up frustration out, and gave me the starting point to try anew. The only way I see to fix the present situation is to hold her to put her to sleep for each daily nap, but that in itself makes for bigger problems on the day-to-day basis when she won’t then go to sleep on her own. It seems like a lose-lose situation, but I know it will get better (she has come so far already). I know if we hang in there that the effort will be rewarded in the long run! Until then, if you have any suggestions (other than the fact that it can’t be done) please leave your comments below!
Warmest regards,
{j}
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I really do feel for you, I had a few years of this with my eldest. Eventually I fell pregnant again and just couldn’t do the getting up all night and screaming at bedtime (singing until I could no longer keep my eyes open), along with holding or walking for naps anymore. He soon leant my change in attitude (they are clever and intuitive) and finally began to sleep. I’d just put him down leave for a minute, go back in, NEVER picking up, just rubbing his back until eventually he got used to the fact he wouldn’t be picked up for naps or sleep, I’d pop in check, then walk off again at first endlessly until it eventually worked. We were both so much happier for this.
My son was a horrible sleeper when he was younger. He did ok with naps, but night time I hated. He used to get up between 3-5x a night every night for years. Ugh.
It does get better eventually lol. I agree with Nicole. Both my kids have had something they were attached too. My son was a pillow, my daughter has a blanket. They do help!
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I’ve been there. My girl particularly hates naps. She’s finally old enough that she needs them less now, but for a long time it was a constant war.
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yeah .. remember those days, Perhaps story time would help?
Oh sweetheart, i can’t tell you how many times I had to lock myself in the bathroom. it will get better. those early risers are tough. eventually poppet will be sleeping all night long and you’ll worry she’s sleeping too much!
Aw, thanks! That’s it what I needed!
Having her sleep on her own is healthier than holding her for her naps. In the long run she will sleep better.
Totally agree!
I agree too… but so much easier said than done!!
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HUm .. have you taken her to the doctors? When my little brother was born, he’d scream when put down to bed. This went on and everyone had an opinion on what was wrong. Everyone said he was spoiled (including the doctors). They said leave him be and he will get used to it. But my parents sensed there was something wrong, something not normal in the way he screamed as if in pain. They took him to a walk-in clinic in Brazil, and the doctor diagnosed him with hernia. They came back, scheduled a surgery, and after a year of sleeplessness, they slept soundly after the surgery. I’m not sure if this is what you’re asking for, lol. But that’s all the experience I’ve ever had…
Good luck! And praying for both of you ..
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Thanks! Since it’s only when we are at services and she is fine going to bed any other time I think she’s feeling okay. But will check up on it!
Been there! Never be ashamed, the things I’ve said to myself (but out loud) behind bathroom doors were very rude…but felt VERY good…
Does she have a lovie? My first son never really had anything he was attached to besides myself, so with my second I encouraged him to hang onto a favorite blanket. It calms him down like magic! It took some time for his blanket relationship to develop, but it’s a great calming tool now.
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