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8 year old not sleeping

My granddaughter who is 8 suddenly screams every night before going to bed and even though my son lays down with her until she is asleep, she gets up 30 minutes later and is at their bedroom door.  This is new for her.  She goes between her mother's house, where she has been allowed to sleep with her (no husband) and then back to my son's house, where she has always had her own room and has slept fine.  My son recently got married, but she loves his wife, actually more than her mom.  He has talked to her about this to no avail.  Now he said he told her she has to go to her mom's place until she can behave.  He has taken away her bike and most privileges.  I don't think that is the answer because her only real stability is with him and his wife.  They are good parents, but this is really upsetting me.  I don't live near then any longer so I can't just have her stay with us for a few days to get this straightened out.  I suggested taking her to a child psychologist, but my son thinks I am the crazy one.  He really needs help with this.  Off and on this child has had some emotional issues, such as biting and throwing fits when she was younger.  She also hit herself and pulled her hair.  This all stopped about three years ago and she has been doing quite well since then, until a couple of weeks ago.  Please help with this.  I feel so bad for her.  Thanks
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your wonderful advice for my granddaughter.  I feel much better now.  I am going to forward this information to my son so that he can see what needs to be done.   Normally, he has very good ideas and when he doesn't he calls me.  He is very concerned and has already spoken to the biological mother regarding her part in the sleeping arrangements.  They will get it straightened out and hopefully get her some professional help.  It probably won't take very long with good help.  I am sending him the book you so often recommend.  Thanks again and I really appreciate your fast response.   Sincerely,  Pugysue
Helpful - 0
521840 tn?1348840771
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
   what a terrible situation for this little girl! Imagine what it would be like to have your own father tell you that you can not come home--that he does not want you around.

    Her behavior is not unusual for a child in a joint custody situation, particularly when sleep arrangements differ and there is a major change like a new stepmother in the home. She is dealing with a high level of life disruption as compared to many girls her age, no matter how much she likes the stepmother. At at time of increased stress, we all need more understanding and patience, but instead it sounds like she is getting less. It would be very surprising for her not to be having an increased need for reassurance.

       Aside from the 2 households issue, many children go through phases around dealing with fears. These typical phases include expressing fears about the dark, being alone in part of the house or going to sleep. Administering harsh punishments like taking her bike and most privileges is not likely to help with her difficulties with settling down to go to sleep, if anything putting such pressure on her is likely to worsen her anxiety. I am not saying the behavior has to be tolerated, but getting children back to sleeping independently is a process of gradually fading out your level of direct support while you encourage them to practice self-soothing techniques on their own (such as deep breathing, thinking peaceful thoughts, singing a song/saying a prayer etc.).

     Taking her to a child psychologist could be a very helpful thing to do, since most of us spend much our time helping children with anxiety and behavior issues. Based on your description, it sounds like parenting work would be a critical part of the therapy. I am glad that you are approaching the situation with compassion for this child, and I wish you best of luck in trying to help her.

Best Wishes
Rebecca Resnik
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