Confessing a sin and looking for help....

Erin - posted on 06/24/2011

I am home alone with my daughter who is 5, from 8 am till 5 pm. I sneek a nap in when she goes to preschool, but before she was in preschool, what I would do is when I started to get tired, I would go for a walk with her. The fresh air woke me up some, or at least forced me to stay awake. If Coffee doesnt do it for you, energy drinks kept me going. I would have a can a day. (maybe stick to the most natural ones you can find if you dont like the marketed ones)
Another thing I found that worked nicely is to invite people over! You cant sleep when your friend is visiting :) And hell, if your friends over and your dead tired, you have a babysitter!

Stifler's - posted on 07/28/2010

Put him to bed earlier! 10PM is crazy.

Alicia - posted on 07/25/2010

I know how hard it is, I used to do the same thing with my son, except I would put him in the bed with me with a bowl of dry cereal, and a cup of juice on the night stand, he would just sit in bed with and watch cartoons until I got up, but then I had my 2nd child, a very demanding child to say the least. No more sleeping in, but I can honestly say I feel so much better now. Early morning with the kids can feel so rewarding, Getting up to get breakfast ready and eating at the table together. Then I can get all of my house work done before lunch. I am so much more productive now. My advice is when he gets up, you should get up and before any thing else get dressed. Just getting out of your pajamas can make all the difference. Then get moving. Fix him breakfast and sit at the kitchen table with him. If I am having one of those days where I just can't seem to get going I make a list of everything that I have to get done, or things I have been putting off, and I challenge myself to get as much done on there before dinner. That way its a win/win your up and attentive to your son and by the time dinner rolls around you have accomplished so much, and worked so much that when bed time comes you will be asleep in no time.

Jennifer - posted on 07/25/2010

Why dont you put him back to bed with you when he wakes up iun the morning.He could play in your bed while you take a snooze.You could clean your room from dangerous stuff and he could be right beside you...
My 18month old girl goes to bed a 9pm every night.Sometimes she wakes up a 5am someimes 7am.If I did not get enough sleep I bring her to bed with me and she usually falls right back to sleep...

My-Thuy - posted on 07/25/2010

my daugther doesnt go to bed till 10 pm as well. but it took me almost 8 months to get myself on her sleeping schedule so that i could nap when she does. sometimes its enough sometimes its not. maybe you can use the 5 hr energy drink? or redbull mixed with mt.dew..that'll keep ya moving for a few hours. Taking a small nap isnt to bad. and if your a light sleeper and you can hear him i think its ok here and there.

Peggy - posted on 07/25/2010

I agree with most of the moms that have replied...1st move his bedtime up and 2nd get a COMPLETE medical check up.

My girls are 6 & 8 now...with it being summer time things get very stressful and exhausting...I noticed when my 8 yr old started Kintergarden that I was exhausted by the time i got her back from the bust stop...i was diagnosised with major depression and post traumatic stress disorder...i was put on meds...I thought life would go back to normal...Last fall, things still weren't better as a matter a fact they were getting worse...nothing i did helped...i changed depression meds so many times i felt like a guinea pig...I finally found a med that increased my energy level alittle bit but i was still wanting to sleep all the time...at the beginning of this year by fiance convinced me to go to my family dr. She took my age, family history everything into consideration and she did a complete blood work up...my liver, thyroid, etc. I was severely low on Vitamin D, my iron was very low, my B12 was very low and my thyroid was enlarged. I am now on Vitamin D supplements, iron, and B12...my energy level is getting better...I still nap before my girls get home from school but I am nowhere near as tired & exhausted as I used to be. You body tells you when something is wrong...Stress exhausts you too...You need "me time" as i call it...i put my girls to bed at 8...i have time with my fiance before he goes to bed...then i get up in the morning before the girls do...i will do whatever it takes to get my "me" time.

Heather - posted on 07/25/2010

I get my blood pumping in the morning with a short jog before the sun gets hot... then I am awake and blazing to go the rest of the day, event though I get up at 5 am every.single.day.

Tracie - posted on 07/24/2010

Whoa there Katie!! He does'nt go to bed till 10pm??? if you could turn that into the 7pm slot - with a day nap just after lunch for a couple of hours for the both of you, you could have the perfect life...:-) Keep up the Multi vitamins and have a nice walk and play with your son in the morning to energise the both of you and ensure he's ready for that nap after lunch!! Don't feel too bad- I've done the check the house and 'just resting my eyes' thing before, especially if you've been woken alot in the night. If you/hubby can give your son alot of fun play (running around, playing ball etc) after dinner and just before his bath, this will help him go to bed earlier, so you can finally have some time for yourself and hubby and get to bed around 10.30pm for a change :-) Good Luck

Shannon - posted on 07/24/2010

have you tried a 5 hour extra strenght energy drink? they have helped me numerous times!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mhairi - posted on 07/24/2010

I fall asleep with my 3 year old awake. I get out of the house, if not I know I will fall asleep with my 3 week old and my 3 year old watches tv, but gets into other things as well. I have locked the doors and put dangerous stuff away too, but I recommend going for a walk or to the park. you didn't mention how old your son is? My 3 year old never went to sleep and still has sleep issues. Have you ever thought on reading sleeping books for children to help you? I'm only asking because I thought it was a load of crock until I read "Healthy sleeping habits, happy babies" or something like that effect and it helped me get my 3 year to an earlier sleeping time. I hope this helps, but I understand for the lack of sleep.. :)

Candy - posted on 07/24/2010

May get a medical check up. I was having problems with going to sleep on the couch at odd times. It was my thiroid(sp) So please make sure it is not a medcal condtion before your child gets hurt.

Lori - posted on 07/24/2010

No judgement - You obviously know leaving your child alone is NOT safe. You clearly need more sleep - make yourself go to bed earlier and make sure you are taking multivitamins. We have ALL been in the overexhausted stage - so I feel your pain. You need to start taking care of yourself so you can be more alert for your child. Your child does have a pretty late bed time - gradually moving that bedtime up wll certainly help. My 6 yr old is in bed by 8-8:30 and my 1 yr old is in bed 7-7:30 and occasionally my 6 yr old takes a nap and my 1 yr old is still taking 2 naps and sleeps thru the night....
Good Luck - Take Care !

Gena - posted on 07/24/2010

Maybe put the tv on in your room and have your son watch tv in bed while you rest- we're all tired- my baby girl is only 4 months old and is starting to teeth- my husband is gone 5am until 6pm 6 days/week-- he basically eats dinner and goes to bed by 8- it's hard- but you can always try the frappucinos (cold coffee) at starbucks! They're God Sent! Good Luck! :)

Melissa - posted on 07/24/2010

I have found even with the safety of a baby gate they can still find trouble! When my daughter was 9 months old I had her in her octagon play area while I was making dinner and when I went to check on her (she was being very quiet) I saw she was red and choking. I managed to get whatever it was up but not out of her mouth- she was breathing and I ran her to the ER (I lived 2 blocks away)because I did not find what she was choking on. When we got into the room and the Dr. laid her down to listen to her lungs she started choking/ vomiting as he sat her up I swiped my finger in her mouth and found a carpet fiber from our cat scratching post! It must have gotten carried into her play area and she stuck it in her mouth. If you are exhausted I would try to have him take an early nap and nap with him. Our daughter now 2 ½ like to sleep in with me on the weekend and we have a 9 ½ month old son who like to wake around 6:30-7ish my husband keeps him in the nursery so he can play and she will lay on the floor in the nursery with the door closed and doze while our son plays- maybe try something like that or in a rocker in the room-. No matter the age they manage to find something to get into. My son was 7 months at the time and early one morning I was unloading the dishwasher and had to run to the bathroom- he was laying in the living room watching TV with a bottle and when I came back in the kitchen he climbed onto the dishwasher and was holding onto the counter- I have learned my lesson and I make sure I can see both of them at ALL times! Everyone feels they house is baby proofed and only you know your child and what they will and not get into but I would never put anything past them. I hope you find something that works- try getting him to bed earlier that way you can go to bed early. We were putting our son and daughter to bed at 9pm but they would get cranky the next day and I was exhausted so we gradually (30 every other week) would put them to bed earlier- now they are sleeping by 7:30pm and I am in bed by 10pm, we all wake at 7:30 am and I feel better rested (and so are they)...

Crystal - posted on 07/24/2010

I was not trying to bad mouth her marriage. My point is she needs to rtalk to her husband, Something has to be done to keep this child safe. THAT IS HIS CHILD TO!!

Cheryl - posted on 07/24/2010

I'm sure you are not alone...I have done the same thing..use to fall asleep on the couch even if I tried to stay awake..ended up sleeping on his bed with him gated into his room that was safe..also light sleeper and then could take deep sleep when my husband was home...

Jamie - posted on 07/24/2010

I am honestly thinking of getting out of this group. I was under the impression that mothers could come here for advice not your "holier then thou" attitudes! EVERYONE of us have made mistakes with our kids that in some way effected them negatively! That being said I absolutely think that leaving your toddler alone is always, always, always WRONG no matter the reason. However, I am here to give what advice I can not judge her marriage or her or her parenting skills. She knows what she is doing is wrong and dangerous. That is why she humbled herself and asked for help. I read a statistic that said all babies have at least 4 major falls during infancy (from a bed or changing table etc) and guess whose fault that is... most of the time... OURS! So how about we all stop acting like we are the epitome of parents, and offer help in a respectful manner like the woman asked. Novel idea, huh? Also, it is incredibly low to talk about her marriage. I know that if I as a mother was doing something that could result in the endangerment or death of my child I would be ashamed to go to my husband who so generously helped me when he could. I am sure that is why she has not... the shame.

Anyway, certain vitamins and foods boast energy levels. I suggest your local health food store or a Wholefoods if you have one.

Crystal - posted on 07/24/2010

I just have to say the more I think about this, the more mad I get. I dont know how someone could just go sleep while their tot is up runing around adn playing.

You said you had went to the doctor and everything was fine, so sounds to me that maybe you need to change something in your lifestyle.

I am not trying to be ugly, but you are a Mother, and as a mother you are suppose to care for your child, protect your child. Your husband holds up his end of the deal, adn you can't even tell him the truth, but can share something like this with a bunch of strangers.

I am not trying to be ugly. I am just saying. Your child did not ask to brought into this world, You and your husband choose to bring him into this world, therefore it is your job to take care of him. As a mother to a tot, and one on the way, plus trying to help run my husbands business from home, plus my Mary Kay business from home, I am very tired as well. I have learn to cope with it and I hope you will take the advice from all the ladies on here before your son gets hurt, chokes to death on something, or learns to unlock the door which my tot did.

For me I know getting up a about 30 minutes before my child does and going out in the yard walking around, drinking coffee, tea, whatever you like to drink, even juice. and walking around for about 15 minutes, then coming in adn taking a shower has help me. I also try to nap with my daughter at her afternoon nap. Also my daughter goes to bed 8 sharp. No later, no earlier. That gives me a couple of hours to hang with the hubby, read, do my nails, whatever I want to.

Good luck, and please talk to your husband. it may be that you all have to get a daycare for the days your husband is working. Your childs safety should be first.

Again Good Luck~

Kylie - posted on 07/24/2010

why are you tired? i was tired all the time, and thought it was just running around after my son, but i found out that i have anomeia, which is like low iron levels, a symptom of which is being tired alot of the time.

Carol - posted on 07/23/2010

I was off gaurd wow. I do the same thing but it irritates me for my son to be up because he's grabby and gets into things. One thing I do is wait till he's asleep and I will nap. He's normally quite when he's in his pack and play and wakes up so I get to sleep and he will play with a toy or watch tv if its on.

Sara - posted on 07/23/2010

My son wakes up early and since my husband works late I stay up so I can spend time with him after work, so what we do is put our son in our bedroom floor and close the bathroom, closet, and bedroom doors and place toys in the floor for him, while we get a little bit more sleep. Our room is completely baby proofed, so its like a big play pen for him. He'll play for a little bit then he comes over to my side of the bed and wakes me up...usually by poking me in the eye or something like that, but he's safe and we are able to get needed sleep or just lay down and relax. This may be something for you to try too, depending on how old your baby is...we didnt start doin this til he was about 8-9 mos old.

Sarah - posted on 07/23/2010

I also have those really low energy times during the day and I can totally pick it. Always 10am and 1pm. My best tip is go for a walk. If your son is small enough to go in a pram this is better so you can have some thoughts of your own.

Karyn - posted on 07/23/2010

maybe get some multi vitamins for after your pregnancy try and force yourself to stay awake once your up then nap when he does it is hard but once your in a routine it gets easier

Karyn - posted on 07/23/2010

maybe get some multi vitamins for after your pregnancy try and force yourself to stay awake once your up then nap when he does it is hard but once your in a routine it gets easier

Lynn - posted on 07/23/2010

Jessica-I am a mother of a 13yr old and a 17 yr old now but when they were younger I too wanted more sleep. What I did was put them into the bed earlier and I too went to bed earlier so that way I was ready to get up either before they woke or as they were waking up. I have had some experience in this field now for quite sometime. Katie asked for advice and all I did was ask a question and told what I would do in that situation. My kids bedtime back then was between 8:30-9pm but usually after their baths they were ready for bed.

Jessica Renee - posted on 07/23/2010

One thing I can think of that is my down fall, when you FIRST wake up in the morning....STAY UP, dont allow yourself to go back to sleep because that can make you groggy all day. I like the idea of getting up early to shower. I cant go back to sleep if i shower in the morning. I might switch from showering at night to showering in morning :)

Jessica Renee - posted on 07/23/2010

I have 4 & 3 year olds & a 4 month old who is nursing. I get no sleep. Im exhausted 24/7 so I know how you feel. I am so guilty of this, mostly when my oldest was a 9 month old & I was pregnant with #2. I would put him in the play pen with a few baby toys & veggie tales or elmo & it bought me about a half hour of light sleeping. Now my oldest two are not in cribs or toddler beds, they can get out of their rooms in the morning (no pint in gates they can open up EVERY kind & if they cant open it they climb over it) so there have been times they get up before me & eat a whole box of doughnuts, draw on the walls or once even painted their feet with nail polish. I for one am glad you wrote this because if any mom were honest they would say there is at least one funny story of when this happend to them. When I was younger we did it. Get up before mom, we would even tip toe in her room & unplug the moniter so we could drink chocolate syrup strait from the bottle :) I think every mother is guilty but if its a problem then see your dr.

Lynn - posted on 07/23/2010

Why does he go to bed at 10p, first of all? If you put him into bed sooner then you can have sometime before you go to bed before you have to start it all over again. Not only would putting him to bed earlier help you but it will help him as well. I hope I helped you a little bit.

Kathy - posted on 07/23/2010

have your son go back to bed with you. I put my daughter in bed with if I need to go back to sleep for a couple of hours.

Olwen - posted on 07/23/2010

This is for the women who relied directly about me. I was just trying to get you to realise how rude you were to this lady and how judgemental people were to this thread. She obviously wrote this post to ask for help, not to be shot down and made feel terrible about herself.

Lisa Frank is a prefect example of what good criticism looks like without being rude. That is the only reason i wrote that reply because i felt so sorry for kate after reading some of you replies.

Janique - posted on 07/23/2010

I am guilty of this...but, I learned my lesson (more than once) when my kids got into anything and everything they could while I was snoozing and even though I am a "self proclaimed light sleeper"...when you are that tired you really are down for the count. So, when I found my kids jumping off window seals onto the couch and they ate a whole box of cereal in one morning and managed to spread it all over my living room floor..staying up was my only option for my well being, their well being and my house. I suggest trying to do your best at getting some extra sleep and napping with your child or having him sleep with you a little at night just to get him to sleep and then put him to bed. That will be okay for awhile. But, anything could happen and it only takes a few seconds if that for them to get hurt or who knows. So, try to limit caffeine before the afternoon and try some exercise if possible in the morning when you wake up..even if it is just stretching and going outside to see the sunlight(the sunlight gets me up right away) once I am unable to close the curtains. So, step outside during breakfast and then come in for a shower..that always does the trick. Hope that helps some. Good luck.

Michelle - posted on 07/23/2010

in the morning with my son i feed him breakfast and put in toy story and we cuddle up and i get some rest. and im now pregnant so ive been really exhausted so i made nap time a like an hour later so that everything is clean and i can nap with him. it has helped alot and my son still is in bed by 8

Katie - posted on 07/23/2010

Wow! I didn't know I had so many responses. I only got an email from two. I don't have the time right now to read every single one, but I have read some. I went to the Dr. several months before I wrote this and he tested my thyroid and everything was normal. Yesterday morning I did lay on the couch and dozed off and on for an hour while Ryan (21 months) did his thing. This morning he slept till 930 and I have been up with him. I normally do take an afternoon nap also. I just need to work on getting to bed before 1am.
Thanks for everyone's input!

Kendra - posted on 07/23/2010

have you tried an early morning walk? I know it's probably the last thing you want to be doing but it helps me sometimes.. and have you tried your coffee over ice? I drink iced coffee ALLL summer.

Crystal - posted on 07/23/2010

I must say this is very dangerous for your child. ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN! I know being pregnant right now it is very hard for me to have any engery at all, btu I have a 16 month to watch and so I nap when she is napping, I also found that if I will go outside and walk around the yard with my daughter and stay active for 30-45 minutes every moring I get more energy. If you are that tired you need to go back to bed while your child is awake alone you may want to talk to your Dr, maybe you just need extra vitamins in your diet.

Kimberly - posted on 07/23/2010

@ Olwen Bishop - Since I was one of the posts that said to never leave your child alone I will answer your question. My shower happens when I get out of bed in the mornings before my son gets up or during his morning nap time. When I go to the washroom, he follows & either throws toys in the bathtub or sits by the door & plays. Plus, all that is quite different than "I'm going to leave my child in one room so I could go in another & nap for a bit" Katie, I'm not meaning to sound harsh or rude but you just can't sleep while ur child is in another room watching t.v & playing. Anything can happen & if it does, how are you going to feel when your child got hurt or something because you wanted to sleep. You really should see a dr. I'm supposed to be going for b12 & Iron shots (which have helped me in the past feel much better) but I stopped going long ago and now getting sick again... perhaps you just need a little boost. Or get some vitamins... Go to your dr & get checked out. You'll feel so much better & be able to spend that time playing instead of sleeping. Again, Good Luck!

Ashley - posted on 07/23/2010

My son is almost 2, he goes to bed about 8 and gets up about 7 or 730. Even though i dont go to bed till 10 or 12 i still wake up VERY tired! whats worked for me is trying to stay busy while the babys up and then at 12 after lunch is his nap time. I try to take a nap with him, it realy helps me alot!

Lisa - posted on 07/23/2010

Hi sweetheart. I see your child is only 21 months old. He's a handsome little one. I have read thru the different post you have been getting and some moms have been quite rude. I would like to apologize to you on thier behalf. Some moms speak, when they should sit back and absorb before responding so harshly.

You are a Mom. You know it's not good to do this and I'm sure you husband would agree. Being a busy mother of 4 children myself, Alec nearly 3, Zak 17 mths, and 3 mth old Twin girls Rozzie and Dottie that I'm nursing, I get exhausted pretty quickly. I'm going to give you some advice that I would like you to seriuosly consider in an effort to help you. If the following efforts do not help, I would consider seeing a doctor for it may be a medical issue ok.My husband works 8-4 M-F, so I don't get the time you do. And he works on weekends on the farm.

Priority number one, get that boy in the bed earlier. Bedtime for our boys is 8 pm. Sometimes they get to bed earlier than our "no later then time". Pay attentiont to his I'm sleepy signals, you'll figure it out I promise. For now, since he is used to going to sleep at 10, gradually set it back and see how he does. Every 3 days put him to bed 15 minutes earlier. Tonight 10, for the next 3 days 9:45, then 3 days of 9:30 and so on. This will actually help him get the sleep he needs and you get the time you need. Establish a routine with him, it helps. Bedtime story, bath, bedtime tv show, etc. Don't give up okay.

Alright,time to establish a routine for yourself. Figure out the time you want to go to bed and the time you want to wake up. Shower after he goes to bed to help you relax for the evening or wake up before him and shower in the morning to help start your day. Pick which is better for you. Also, are you taking vitamins at all? If not, you should take a Womens multivitamin like womens one a day. To help give you a natural energy boost, also consider taking an additional B-12 Vitamin in the morning. I'm on prenatals for nursing so that is a little different for me.

I also have at least 2-3 smoothies a day, morning, noon and around 3-4pm. Your little one may enjoy them too, mine do. Helps me get the fruits and veg my kids and I need. I just use my blender. Figure out the serving size and throw it in. Mix the veg and fruit for better taste and enjoy.

Sorry, but I gotta go. Like I said 4 little ones are quite demanding. Feel free to keep in touch. Let me know how things are going. And don't get down on yourself. Alot of the Mothers who responded are right in many ways, just didn't have to be so harsh. Remember you attract more Butterflies with flowers and more Flies with ***t....

Zatonda - posted on 07/23/2010

There is a big difference in taking a shower and going to sleep, Look at Nancy Grace. I guess depending on the age of the child would depend on if you need to be awake. If the child is aware that you are sleep and understands to wake you if the power goes off or a stranger is at the door then do what you must, If you feel bad about anything your doing as a parent then the best way to resolve it is to fix the problem rather than concern yourself with guilt. Maybe your should try a daycare.Sounds like you really love your child, but you really need some you time, A couple hours of day may help before depression sets in. As some of the other parents said, you and the child should nap together and maybe put your child to bed before 10. You learn as you go when being a parent, but you don't want to make too many mistakes when doing so.

Olwen - posted on 07/22/2010

I have to say to all these women who've replied to you. You can't just say you should never leave your child alone. What do you do when you have a shower or go to the toilet. an accident can happen in a matter of seconds. I'm not saying that going to bed for an hour and a half is okay but lets not lie to each other and pretend that we spend every simple second in the same room as our child, I mean that's just not fair if we're not realistic and truthful about what our own lives are like.

Jennifer - posted on 07/22/2010

Try grabbing a bowl of cereal and then jump into the shower. I think early showers prepare you for the day, and they refresh your energy so you're ready to take the day on with your litl one. It also gives you a little space for 'you time', since you can actually take care of yourself before starting the daily routine. It has also helped me to wash my face after brushing my teeth (on days where showers are almost impossible in the morning 'cause I have 2kids back to back in age), and fixing myself- you know with a little bit of make-up. That way if anything comes up where we have to go out anywhere, I am already to go and I can concentrate on just getting them ready.
Hope that helps you Katie.

Kimberly - posted on 07/22/2010

I feel for you, I really do. But you SHOULD NOT leave your child alone. Anything can happen even if you think you have everything secured & safe. My child sleeps from 6:30pm- 8 or 9am & gets a morning nap. But if we both had a rough night, I nap when he's safe in his crib napping. I would never leave him alone playing just so I could get some sleep. If he's all rearing to go & I had a rough night then I put him in his crib 15 minutes before naptime & he'll just play in his crib until he's ready to fall asleep.You really need to try to get your child to bed earlier.
I also find morning showers very helpful (I'm not a coffee drinker either) & morning walks after breakfast. Please dont leave him on his own again. Good Luck!

Katie - posted on 07/22/2010

Just nap when your baby naps. That's what I do. There are just too many things that could happen other wise. My son likes to take a nap after only being up for 2 hours in the morning so that's nice. Good luck!

Olwen - posted on 07/22/2010

My daughter went through about 15 months of waking at 5 am, talk about being tired. I used to sleep on the couch but only for about 30 minutes. Now she goes to bed at 7 pm and wakes at 7.30am. What a difference, no need to nap, plus you get your evenings to yourself which is more important to me. I really feel that 10pm is too late to put him to bed. Once you get that sorted you won't be so tired. My husband also worked away from home so i know how you feel. I know it lonely at night when your on your own and you've put your child to bed but it's worth it.

Jennifer - posted on 07/22/2010

i also just want to clarify in my post when i said i di the same thing i meant to say i nap when he does but hell no i dnt sleep with him up..i mean come on u already got up so wuts the point to go back u dnt let lazy take over!! u already get plenty of days what about ur husband who works and his days off he takes care of the little 1 dont be selfish or unappreciative...i wonder if he know what you do and what he would think...maybe you should talk with him

Brittany - posted on 07/22/2010

My daughter used to go to bed that late. I just slowly started her bedtime routine earlier and earlier now she goes to bed at around 7-7:30. Why not nap on the floor were he's playing, it might not be the most comfortable place but at least then he's close by.

Jamie - posted on 07/22/2010

I think the child should not ever be alone like that. We all know what could happen. However, I don't want to come off as rude because I know how tiring it is... it can be overwhelming!!! My suggestion is mommy days. One day a week one of my relatives will take my kid and watch her. I spend those couple of hours sleeping.

However, I think some mothers who have responded need to understand something. First, not all babies are capable of doing what the books say they should be doing... like sleeping!!!! My daughter is 13 months old. She only sleeps for 2 1/2 hours at a time at night. Also, she only takes a one hour nap during the day! I have not slept through the night in 13 months. I am a stay at home mom, I am exhausted, I am 15 weeks pregnant which makes things worse, and I have a migraine every day when I wake up because of the lack of sleep. My father is a doctor so I know that there is nothing wrong with my child. Not all babies need as much sleep. So before you tell another mother what her child needs to be doing maybe you should take into consideration that recommendations are based on an average not every baby fits into a specific mold.

Ashley - posted on 07/22/2010

Try getting your little one to go to bed earlier, my two who are 2 yrs and 1 yr use to stay up til 9:30-10 everynight, but if you stick to it you can have them on a routine in less then a week. I went from putting them to bed at 10pm and waking up and 7am, to putting them to bed at 7:30pm and walking up at 7:30pm. Putting them on a routine does wonders then both me and my fiance get time to ourselves and plenty of time to rest. I have baby # 3 on the way due in December and plan to put this one right on a routine as soon as i can too. Good luck, if you have an questions feel free to message me!

Soleil - posted on 07/22/2010

get up and take a walk first thing with your son in the stroller. It will wake you up and keep you healthy. It is so dangerous to leave your child like that, even if you think you've secured everything, what if he found something he could choke on... are you a light enough sleeper to notice him silently choking to death? We are all tire, but really, you already get 3 days to sleep in which is more than most moms, so suck it up and watch your child!

Jennifer - posted on 07/22/2010

I DONT WANT TO BE JUDGEMENTAL OF U BUT ALSO DONT REALLY AGREE WITH YOU...I AM NEITHER A MORNING PERSON BUT DESPITE U THINKING ALL DANGERS BEING AWAY SMTHINGS CLD STILL HAPPEN I ALSO HOPE YOU HAVE TOP LOCKS...HOPEFULLY HIS TOYS ARENT CHOCKING HAZARDS ETC...I AM EXHAUSTED IN MORNINGS BUT MOMS GOTTA DO IT...A(PUT A MOTIVATION IN YOUR HEAD SUCH AS WHAT IF ...U DNT WANT ANY HORRIBLE REGRET...ALSOTHINK OF FAMILIES WHO STRUGGLE BAAD WITH LOTS OF KIDS HOWEVER THEY DO IT OR OLD PPL WHO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELFS MY GRANDMOTHER TOOK CARE OF ME WHEN I WAS BORN SHE WAS 74!!! GREAT MOTIVATERS)BUT THERE ARE OTHERS (I ON RARE OCCASSIONHAVE DONE THE SAME LIKE I SLEEP IN THE MORNING WHEN MY SON DID..IN THE BED HE IS BIG ENUF NOW NOT B4 I CLOSED THE DOOR...NOTHING ON THE FLOOR...MY SON WOULD WAKE ME UP IF HE GOT UP FIRST...SIMPLE AFTER THAT GETCHA ASS UP!!LOL) IF COFFEEDOESNT WORK* WASHING UR FACE WITH COLD WATER HELPS* SRETCHING...SUPRISINGLY RELEASES A LOT OF TIRED FEELINGS!! TRY=D EVEN IF FOR FIVE MIN!!...ALSOU CLD TRY A COLD COFFEE DRINK OR SHAKE IF U DNT LIKE IT WARM...ITS THE CAFFEINE ANYHOW!!...JUST TRY UR HARDEST TO GET OUT OF THE HABBIT!! AFTER ALL U GET3 DAYS ERY OTHER FOR THAT OPPORTUNITY!! HOPE THIS IS HELPFULL