I am praying this is a phase. I am not sure what brought it on or how do handle it, but I know if I pray God will give me wisdom on the situation.
Normally, Lilly is an excellent sleeper, has been since she was born. Sure, we have had the nights with bad dreams or not feeling well, etc but they were few and far between. When those nights did occur, I was able to go up to her room and soothe her pretty easily before she would return to sleep.
Lately, the tears start before I even leave her bedroom. She doesn't want me to leave, wants me to stay in her room a little longer, she just wants "love" (fyi, any other time during the day when I try to cuddle with her, she will not allow it). I know these are just her attempts to delay going to sleep, but I do end up staying a few minutes longer and giving her big hugs and kisses before leaving her room. She still cries no matter how long I stay or don't stay in her room.
Also, in the last few weeks, I have had to get up with her at least once during the night. Usually, it is a scary dream. I wouldn't have a big problem with it, except that it takes me quite a while (more than 15 minutes) to soothe her and get her calmed down enough to go back to sleep.
I know this will pass and I should enjoy the cuddles at night, but I do not want to create a monster to where it takes us more than an hour to put her to bed. Should I be changing the routine at this age (almost 5)? Our normal nighttime routine includes: Bible reading, prayers, 2 books and 2 songs and then I usually lie down with her for about 4 or 5 minutes.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
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