Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

DD started being afraid so she asked we leave her light on. Iy's on a dimmer so it was soooo low, then she said , "Please Mommy, higher." Long story short she sleeps with her light all the way up. Naps, days, nights, all the time. She FREAKS out if we sneak in there once she falls asleep and even just lower it. I told her weeks ago that big girls like her cousin (who she reallyl ooks up to) sleep with only a night light and when she's ready to try it to let me know (that usually works for us) but here were are and she has not broached the subject.

Any advice?

This was such a bad habit to get into!

Re: Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

I don't experience with this but I have a thought. We have the ladybug that shies stars on the ceiling. I can't remebr the name but it says it s proven to help at night. Maybe try that. It's really cute. It has 3 colors and if it's high enough it's shines nice a bright and all around the room. Maybe she will like that

Re: Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

Swap the bulbs out once in a while, so it's still "all the way on", but go from 60 watt to 45 watt to 30 watt, etc.
Not sure if she'll fall for that...

Re: Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

How about a few night lights. Make her a del, fancy night lights = no more big lights.

Re: Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

DS started this in the last month or so. He sleeps with a nightlight, the light from the humidifier, the light from the radio on, the ladybug starry light thing (which is really DD's) AND the lights on dim.

When we go to bed at 10pm, I quietly turn them off. If he happens to wake, he'll turn them on..but most time he doesn't wake up.

I don't have any good advice, just letting you know you're not alone.

(Oh, and my sister slept like this for years-she was afraid someone was going to come in the house and take her. She was around 11 when she stopped).

Re: Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

Thanks everyone. I know it's not the worst thing, but jeez my electric bill can use all the help it can get lol

Re: Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

Maybe take her out to get some special girly night lights. We have this for the girls that was given to them by our favorite aunt:



It's a moving butterfly light. The boys have an aquarium one. We put this on when the girls go to bed and then shut it off when we go to check on them later in the night.

Message edited 5/5/2011 5:46:43 PM.

Re: Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

Re: Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

You can get them from Amazon. Butterflies

Re: Breaking the habit of sleeping with the light on

My brother and SIL gave my nephew a flashlight and put glow stars all over his ceiling. They also had a night light. He was specifically afraid of monsters though. But over time he got past it!