Calming a homesick child

[littlebit0863]

Why is your sister upset at the idea of you not bringing your niece?

I think she is just upset because my niece (Bella) doesn't get to do much because so much attention is spent on Juli (my baby niece.) Also because Bella talks about Disneyworld nonstop.

I was debating to post or not, because I am the one who is going to say it worked out for me.
My DN {also named Bella} came to Disney with me last August for 10 days. She was 2 yrs old when we went and had been sleeping at my house since she was 2 wks old.
With that said, she HATES sleeping at my house. She screams and cries for her mother the whole night until she falls asleep. The crying and begging starts as soon as she gets dropped off to my house. But, as soon as her mother leaves she is fine and playing, having a great time. When it's bedtime the crying starts again for her mother, she refuses to lay down, because she waiting for mommy to pick her up. I let her just sit and watch TV until she falls asleep. When she gets up in the morning, she'll ask for her Mom and I'll say soon or in x amount of days {whatever the time is}, she says OK and goes off playing. When night comes it starts again, so same routine I sit her on the sofa with TV until she falls asleep.

So now lets jump to Disney, we weren't sure how she would act, but I wanted to take her so bad, We showed Bella all about Disney and she was excited. The night before we left she slept over, I did not want the separation crying before we got on the plane. She was so excited about getting on the plane, she was an angel, no problems at all the night before we left. The next morning no questions about where is mommy.
Every night in Disney she went to bed with no problems, every morning she woke up waiting to go swimming or to the parks. By day 3 she didn't want to even talk to her mom on the phone anymore
She loved the fireworks {which she hated at home} her mother couldn't believe she was watching fireworks every night...

Only you know your niece and how she might be. I knew with all my heart my niece would be fine. That it was just sleeping issues she has. I'm so glad I was right..lol...
As of today Bella still runs and hides if she gets near my house thinking she is sleeping over But she asks to come over, and calls me, and even says she'll go to Disney again with me. Now I just have to get her Mom to let her ago again. I think she had the separation issue not Bella

I hope it all works out for you

Thank you very much for posting this. My whole family, friends, coworkers, everyone I know basically were shocked that I was considering NOT taking her. They all have a kind of she'll get over it, suck it up, walk it off attitude. Not one person has said a nice thing to me about considering backing off of taking her, they all say she'll be fine once she gets there. I'm glad to see at least one person who gives me hope that they are right.

Tonight is sleepover #2, and my baby is spending the night with my sister and mom (and SHE by the way loves sleepovers and wouldn't care if she ever came back home ) That way I won't be so concerned about my niece waking her and maybe things will be less stressful.

 

[littlebit0863]

Bella wouldn't even get in my car to come sleep over. I guess I have my answer. Thanks for all of your advice.

 

[alice99]

Bella wouldn't even get in my car to come sleep over. I guess I have my answer. Thanks for all of your advice.

That's too bad.


....... but I think you're better off.

 

[kandb]

You seem like a great aunt. Don't feel too bad, she is just not ready. Disney is going no where. It will all work out. I hope you and your family enjoy your disney trip, don't worry, one day Bella will be there enjoying it with you.

 

[cm8]

Bella wouldn't even get in my car to come sleep over. I guess I have my answer. Thanks for all of your advice.

 

[danetter]

Did your husband react to her crying in front of her and maybe got scared more? When you do get her to stay again with you instead of making your husband sleep on the couch which probably will make him boil even more having to give up his bed I would do as another poster said and have her and your son lay down on the floor (weekend treats for your son) with the tv on until they fall asleep.

 

[luvmy2babies]

I'm sorry things are not working out. Perhaps her sister will progress in therapy to where their family can go.