bribery

Matt and I have not been very strict about kids in the bed, and have therefore spent the last four years sharing the bed with little bodies- not a very comfortable set up.

Recently though, we decided to try to get the kids to stay the whole night in their own beds through bribery. Not ideal, I know, but we were getting desperate.

The prize (the first time) - a shiny new bike!
It worked for a few weeks. Then, starting with a night here and there, our bed filled back up, and we were back to four bodies in a queen sized bed, being squished, kicked, elbowed and so on- every single night!

So, once again, I reached that desperate point, and have resorted to bribery, again. This prize, new pajamas. The kids were pretty excited, and I have to say it's been a delightful week as they've been earning their fancy jammers, one night at a time!




There is probably a better way out there, but at this point I am thoroughly enjoying my nights, and getting better sleep than I have in a while! We'll just have to see how long it lasts this time!

Comments

erin said…
I personally am a full believer in bribery!! It has always worked best for me!!!
eric and monica said…
ughh! i totally feel your pain. nora has been sleeping with us every night for like the past month and we are just too smitten by our babe to put her back in her bed after she falls asleep. I just barely put her down after about half an hour of crying and we'll see if I can get some homework done tonight without our little girl sneaking into our room again. I'm going with your approach if this doesn't work.
Unknown said…
I love the food on Eliza's face! What adorable children!
Lewieville said…
I am right there with you. SInce Colby Lynnie has been in our bed EVERY night and so now I have started a "sleep all night in your own bed" chart. If she goes a whole week we will take her for ice cream!! Plus she gets a sticker everyday on the chart. Good luck and let me know how it works
The Lewis Trio said…
I completely agree... sometimes bribery is the only way to get something accomplished. I couldn't imagine fitting that many bodies into a single bed... especially with little ones, they tend to move A LOT!! i hope this works out for you!!

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