Yes...that's Carter in a toddler bed! Just last week I decided it was time! Changing from crib to bed is a big step for moms....mostly because once your child is in a bed....they can finally get out!! And get out of bed Carter did....a lot!!!! I would put him in bed, only to find a few minutes later sounds coming from his room. I would open the door to find him pulling toys off the shelf, playing on the floor, or at the door jiggling the door handle! I would promptly put him back in bed. He would cry, settle down, and then wait for me to shut the door and once again he was out of bed!! I almost put the crib back together! BUT...being the stubborn person that I am, I was not letting this child move me from my decision to keep him in his "big boy" bed! Carter is doing well now, and at bedtime he is going right to sleep! At nap-time, he tries a few times, and then stays in bed and goes to sleep! I think most parents find, that with persistence and LOTS of patience, you can teach your child anything....even when they do not want to do it! I knew that if I gave in, then Carter would remember that moment for forever, and in anything else I did with him, he would push those limits, trying to see if I would give in again!
I feel like it is so important that my children grow up, starting at an early age, knowing their limits, understanding their roles as children verses the role we have as their parents, and growing up with a proper respect for us as their parents. So many parents allow their children to speak disrespectfully to them, let their children get away with not following the rules, saying that dreaded "No!" word to every request, or to just ignoring their parents requests and so on. It can be too easy at times, to not be consistent when you are too tired or too busy, and to give in, to let our children get away with things that normally are not okay. Children need, more than anything, stability in their lives, and they especially need their parents to remain consistent in their parenting, disciplining, and rewarding. As little or unimportant as it might seem to remain consistent about teaching a child to sleep in a bed, I feel like Carter and I have taken a tiny step that will bring huge rewards!
3 comments:
Well said. I can't believe Carter is that big. He was barely rolling over when we moved. Now he's in a "big boy" bed and going to nursery next year. Crazy! Hey do you think you could shoot me your mailing address? I'm sending out Christmas cards before long (waiting on the pix) and would love to get one to you. Thanks!
Man! I can't believe Carter is big enough for a big boy bed! Time flies. I know what you mean about putting the crib back together. Jett has been getting out of bed early in the morning, going into the girls room, climbing in bed with Halle or pulling off her covers, turning on the light and throwing toys up on Jenna. I just want to tie him in his bed! But you're right, it really is so important to be consistant. And you are such a good example to me, because you have such patience. I wish I could stay as calm as you! Feel good, knowing you will have great kids when all around them are messed up!
Good for you! My kids have both been in big kid beds by about 15-16 months old. I think it's actually easier to teach them when they are littler, then when they are older and even MORE stubborn!
I'm with you on the consisten thing. What a great example you are to me!
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