Keeping kids in bed

[runamyrun]

The last couple of months we have had trouble with getting our kids to stay in bed. Our 4 year old daughter was constantly making excuses to get out of bed, and it was driving us crazy. This may sound mean, but when the kids are in bed, it is me time. I get to do whatever I want, which usually is nothing! When she was getting out of bed, it was taking away my relaxing time. One day I was tearing apart some of my Family Fun magazines (I want to make my own craft, holiday, and fun food binder--who knows when it will get done, though!). I came across some parent tips on getting kids to stay in bed. One of the ideas was to give each child three pennies. If for any reason they needed to get out of bed, you take away one of the pennies. If there are pennies left when they wake up, the child gets to keep it. With our son we allow him to get up to go to the bathroom (he usually does it in the middle of the night), but for anything else they get a penny taken away. This has been so wonderful! Our kids stay in bed! And we really only needed to give them pennies for less than a week. I don't know if this will help anyone, but it helped me!

[bookworm]

That's great, Amy! I hope it sticks! We've had similar issues over the years from time to time. That is a great idea, though. If DD has problems again in the future, I may use it. Thanks for sharing!

[5ft Diva]

That is a fun idea. Thanks for sharing your successful idea w/ us. It's so great to hear what works because we always need options.

[mxmama]

shoot... my kids want quarters!

[PhillyGirl]

Okay, funny story. So my daughter isn't old enough to have this problem yet. But when my brothers were young my parents would tie them to the bed with their bathrobe belts. Wow, how the times have changed.

I know what you mean about bed time being your time. I love those few hours I get in the evening to do whatever I want; watch tv, read, or workout. Those hours make it so I can get up in the morning and start all over again.

[runamyrun]

Exactly! I adore my kids, but I just need time to unwind and be me.