Losing my mind

We've just moved out of state to Washington and the girls, who used to be wonderful and happy sleepers, now scream for a good hour each night and call for me. It breaks my heart because I want to go in their room but I know that'll just make it worse! Also, we're in an apartment and I'm worried about our neighbors complaining...seriously they have been crying/screaming for 36 minutes now. I just don't know what to do...............it's been 2 weeks and there's no progress - am I traumatizing them?

 

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that your having such an unpleasant moving experience! A new place can be very scary... I recently went on vacation with my 3 year old boys and little girl and the first night I remember Alonso telling me he wanted to go home... our girls are young.. I say go ahead and give them a hug! It is a new place and they may just want to know your there for them :hug99:

Marta

 

Even though it seems like going backwards, you might want to give them some extra reassurance since you just moved. It sounds like you'll have to do some "re-training" anyway (whether now or in a few weeks), so you might as well put it off and just focus on helping them feel safe and comfortable in the new environment first. Good luck!

 

I'd be inclined to give them extra TLC at bedtime for several nights, even staying in there while they fall asleep. Moving can be very confusing for kids. Sounds like you might have to do some sleep training anyway, but if you spend a few nights doing extra soothing then at least you can tell yourself that they've had the extra re-assurance they might need. Good luck - sounds like a tough time.

 

Can you sit in their room until they go to sleep? If this works, you can gradually move onto just sitting outside their door, then just cracking the door, etc. Do they have a nightlight?

Maybe you could take them to Target or somewhere and have them pick out a special blanket, soft toy or lovey just for sleeping with. Might help them feel some sort of control and provide some comfort.

Moving is very traumatizing, even to adults. We had to move in with my parents (have been here for over 3 months now) for a job transfer. They've been here plenty, but it has still been hard, esp. when we moved into big boy beds (note: if you haven't done this yet, don't do it for a long time!!!!!!!). My boys have always been good sleepers and it has been a shock to go through what has happened. It's taken a lot of time and trial and error, but they are much better. We're supposed to move into our new home within the next week or so, and I'm dreading it in many ways.

 

I tend to agree with PP's. I know it's hard and that we worry about setting up new bad habits, but I would go in there and lie on the floor until they calm down. Play some music or something. Then, during the day try to spend a few min. every day playing and making the room a HAPPY place. :hug99: I'm sorry!!! Moving is SO DIFFICULT!!! :hug99: