Go ahead and judge me….but then help me

January 22, 2009 · 6 comments

Ok, seriously, I kind of suck at this parenting gig sometimes.

Our first issue is the juice. No, my boys aren’t on steroids, they have a major issue with juice…as in they can’t go without it. Now, the first thing you need to know is that we mix 2/3 water with 1/3 juice. The second thing you need to know is this: I totally realize this problem is my fault. We basically swapped sippy cups for bottles years ago and now the boys need their juice all night long. And they don’t just take a drink and set it down; they guzzle. They down the whole cup and ask for more.  Apparently I gave birth to camels (minus the whole going days between drinks thing).

ANYWAY, I’m pretty damn sick of getting up through the night to give juice and change diapers. Preston is 3, Matt is 5.  Preston is WAY worse about the juice, but both of them are bad at night.  During the day I can get them to drink water or go longer between refills, so that is getting better. But the night!

My first thought was to tell them no more. Cold turkey, just stop. One cup when they go to bed and that is it.

But then Mike let me know that I totally suck at the whole ‘cry it out’ thing and that I wouldn’t be able to do it. And guess what. He’s right. It’s a huge downfall of mine – I can’t listen to the screaming, the sobbing, the crying about the freaking juice. (or about anything, for that matter).

The thing is this: I don’t care if they get thirsty and want a drink in the middle of the night – but they should get water.(You know, that I can get from the bathroom, right outside their rooms, instead of trekking down to the kitchen and back up again).

So how do I do it?  We’ve been talking about it, but until I just DO something, they are still getting what they want.

Do I just ignore them in the middle of the night when they cry for juice (and in Matt’s case, chocolate milk)?

Do I take them a cup of water instead?

Do I start with smaller cups and ease into nothing?

HELP!!!!!  I mean, really, if you heard the screaming and crying that these kids can produce, you’d give them what they want just to get back to sleep, too!  So yes, I screwed up, but I want to fix it, so please help me!!

Any helpful comments greatly appreciated. :grin:

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

AndreAnna January 22, 2009 at 11:11 am

My kid loves her juice too (we do the 1/3 juice, 2/3 water thing too) but ever since she was on a sippy cup we kept one with water in her bed. So, she HAS to have her cup but it has water and luckily since we did it from the beginning, it’s not been an issue.

However, what I would do in your case is give them their cups of water, tell them no more juice at night and that if they’re thirsty they have to drink their water. Period.

Then, go out. Go to the bookstore, to the gym, out with friends. If you can’t listen to them whine and cry, let your husband handle it.

YOU are the boss. Not them. They’ll get over it.

AndreAnnas last blog post..Evolution of a Daddy-made waterfall

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catnip January 22, 2009 at 11:51 am

Show them pictures of the worst rotten teeth you can find and tell them that’s what juice at night is going to do to them. Yeah, I’m harsh, and maybe even evil.

catnips last blog post..cool cat

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rimarama January 22, 2009 at 12:43 pm

Yeah, crying it out su-uh-ucks, but I think it’s the only way you’re going to win this one. One or two nights of no sleep is probably worth it in the long run, when you won’t have to get up at all anymore!!!

rimaramas last blog post..I Can’t Get No Respect

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glamgranola January 22, 2009 at 12:44 pm

I am a softee too. I would let them have as much as they want during the day, especially if it is only a third juice. That way you know that they have had plenty to drink and aren’t truly thirsty.

Then do water at night. Seriously, show them pictures of baby bottle tooth decay- it is some scary stuff. When Mason didn’t want to brush his teeth we explained that his teeth would turn black if he didn’t brush. It is never an issue anymore, ever. Mean? maybe! But it is sort of the truth (after years and years).

But remember you know your kids best!

glamgranolas last blog post..Special Report

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Emily R January 22, 2009 at 11:25 pm

my husband has lifetime dental issues due to juice at night, so you do need to resolve this.

for a few nights, dilute even further. also, warn them that on XX night, there will be no more juice. then take it away and give water, instead.

Emily Rs last blog post..My choice

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Michelle January 23, 2009 at 9:08 pm

I agree with all that was said. Pick the day, prepare them for it, then do it and stick with it. In the end they may even sleep better because they’ll realize there’s no need to wake up for juice and perhaps wake feeling more rested, their teeth will be stronger and healthier and you’ll be happier parents…. be strong!!

Michelles last blog post..Blessed

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