Sleeping

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So we have tried two things. One old, and one new.

The old:

When Shy had first started coming into our room a lot a couple of years ago, we got to the point where we were very adamant that she had to get back to her own bed and go to sleep there. After the problem went away, we weren't worried about it and the occasional trip into our bedroom at night was not discouraged. We would tell her in the morning that it was not acceptable, but we weren't as good about making her go back into her room. That was a mistake we made, and now we are back to making sure she goes back to her own bedroom when she comes in.

The new:

We gave Shy three tickets. They could identify anything she might want AFTER she goes to bed. All three have turned into "HUGS". So she has three chances after she goes to bed to call us into her room if she wants us. Each time, she must turn in a ticket. When she runs out of tickets, she can no longer call us into her room that evening, but she gets the tickets back the next day.

This gives her the feeling that we will be there if she wants us, but gives us the satisfaction of knowing our evening time together will not be interrupted more than 3 times.

Of course last night was different. In the past, all time the ticket has been turned in was while we were still awake. Last night, I was woken up by a tapping on my shoulder. I was being tapped with her last remaining ticket for a hug. So, I took the ticket, walked her back into her room, gave her a hug, and that was the end of it.

At least she didn't even attempt to stay in our room and was fine about going back to her own room. I think the ticket thing is a good idea and is working well. I also think we accomplished what we wanted to with sending her back to her own room. Now it is up to us to maintain, and not let the occasionally trip into our bedroom be a long one.

I'll let you know how we do.

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