It’s too early to tell, but Leah may have pulled off the improbable by getting Ava to agree to going to bed by herself, without one of us lying with her until she falls asleep.
Last night, Leah and Ava came up with a plan that entails Ava getting a sticker on a chart for each night she goes to sleep alone. When she earns enough stickers, she gets a prize. In the past, I’ve read to Ava at bedtime while Leah puts Emmett down, and then Leah stays with Ava until Ava falls asleep. This has sometimes meant getting into bed at 8 and still being up after 9. It’s tough, because we love spending time with the kids in the hours we all have together, but our daughter’s a kid who needs her sleep. And her mother wouldn’t mind a little adult time in the evening, either.
To my surprise, Ava was eager to get underway with the new system last night. The minute I finished reading the chapter we’d agreed to (in Double Fudge), she pulled her covers up and said, “Good night, daddy.” No fuss about “one more page,” no hassle about staying with her for just a minute. Easy!
But that was last night. I’m thankful for small victories, but I’m realistic about the chances of smooth sailing from here on out. I don’t know exactly what Leah’s promised Ava for a prize, but if last night’s behavior is any indication, it must be something pretty awesome. Let’s hope it holds!