3 1/2 Yo Decied That Sleep Is Optional!

I've never been able to bring myself to lock my kid's doors. Just seems to me like that would be scary. She's also got to learn that while she can come to you when she really needs you, she has to respect the sleep of others. This is the age where I got serious with my son about his very early morning wakenings... told him he must stay in bed or his room quietly until I come to open his door (after 3 1/2 years of being awakened at 5:30). He got it too... I don't think it's a bad thing to be harsh with her. Maybe you're not being harsh enough. She's got to understand this behavior is not acceptable. Provided she's feeling better, I would sit her down, tell her the rules. She doesn't need tickets to mommy... she can just get up and turn on all the lights and there she is. Maybe you could try taking away something important to her and she has to earn it back by respecting her family's sleep. Maybe Daddy should be the one to put her back to bed... is he more stern? I wish you luck.

I have heard that some children that do not get enough sleep have a hard time sleeping at all. I don't know exactly how/why this works, but it does work for me. I am wondering if her little body clock is messed up from her lack of nap...? Her nighttime 2 hours sounds like a nap to me...? Good luck!!!

I would tend to agree somewhat with Cindy on this. I know so many people that too have installed the lock on the outside of the door (luckily I didn't have problems with mine). They didn't have to do it for very long before the child got the hint either. I would just make sure you had a baby monitor on in the room somewhere so you would always know if there was something where she REALLY needed you. If not that then why not turn all the light bulbs just enough so they won't turn on with the switch. I'd just do it right before you go to bed, and her bedroom one when she goes to bed. She's bound to get bored with this game of hers if she can't get the lights on....
I'm interested to see what works for you!

I would think that she needs a change in the routine either during the day or at bedtime. She obviiously has some pent up energy or she's anxious about something. I would try and run her ragged during the day to make her very tired and even grumpy for a few days, if necessary. I also would try to change her bedtime routine...maybe she would like more time with dad or you, if one or the other does most of the bedtime routine? Maybe she needs more one on one time? There's always a reason so try to eliminate possibilities by changing things up...that's my biggest advice. MY oldest goes through these stages too but usually there is a reason such as wanting one more story at bedtime or need to run around more during the day or she's going through a growth spurt or a new tooth is coming in or she even wants to wear different pajamas...we've always been able to work through these times though by offering her more choices or taking her to the park everyday or what have you. Hope one of my suggestions work for you!Good luck!

We put a small fish tank that has a light on it in my daughters room, if you can trust her not to touch it this worked really well for us b/c we told her her fish need her there at night and if she wakes up she can talk to them also they will be sad if she leaves them at night. We also make a big deal if she doesnt get out of bed in the morning ( although her getting out of bed to come to us was b/c she said she was scared and wasn't ALL the time)A few moms I know who have gone thru this said a spanking when there is no ligitamit reason (sick potty ect) is the only thing that worked she may just be testing you.

When she gets up during the middle of the night like that does she eventually go back to bed and go back to sleep or is she just up for good? The only reason I ask is because IF she falls back asleep. Even though it would be rough I would set my alarm for like 5:00 a.m. and go in there and make her wake up for good. Eventually she would be too exhausted to continue on like that. If she is going back to sleep and sleeping in later that could be the reason why she continues to do so. Also isn't there some sort of child-proof light switches you can purchase to put on the lights? If not, I would almost take the darn bulbs out at night so the light won't come on!!!
Have you tried explaining to her that nighttime is when everyone goes to sleep and let her know that if she gets out of bed that she will have a certain toy/privelage taken away from her or tell her she will have to go to bed even earlier the following day.
I had a cousin that installed a lock on the outside of the door because his daughter would get up during the middle of the night but she wouldn't come in there to wake them up--they didn't really know what she was getting into. I don't neccesarily agree with that only because IF the child does indeed need to get up during the middle of the night they need to feel secure enough to know they can get to their mommy and daddy. Another thing is this is a change in habits could there be a health issue going on? I would make an appointment with the Ped first before I try anything else just to make sure it's not a health issue. Perhaps the Ped. can also suggest some things as well. My pediatrician suggested giving my twins Melatonin but I am not sure that would help with your situation because it sounds as if you are not having an issue with her "falling" asleep but staying that way. Melatonin is an herb and melatonin is what your brain releases during sleep. It might work but I don't know and I would discuss it with your Ped. BEFORE doing that.

M.:
I feel that it is a combination of the grandparents' visitation and the common diseases that she is going through. It doesn't sound like that you are using a cool air vaporizer in your daughter's room. I had a cool air vaporizer in my childrens' room everytime they were sick, they continued to sleep right through the night. Be patient with your daughter a few more weeks, and I feel that she will return to her original schedule. Good luck.
P. S

She is probably miserable and not feeling very good if she is sick with a cold etc. Just do the best you can at this point until she gets well, and then expect to get her back on track.
You also mentioned that you have had a lot of people in and out of your house, that's always going to disrupt everyone's usual routine, but it can't be helped. Stick to her usual routine as best you can, too many little kids stay up as long as they want and the parents let them because of the crying, tantrums, etc. or they allow worse habits to develop. DO NOT let her get in your bed or you will see your husband throw his own tantrum. Right now he needs to be patient while she is sick and realize she may need your attention more for a little while. Maybe daddy needs to get up and tend to her a couple of times, he's probably awake anyway. Just make sure he isn't angry when he does it. Patience, patience. Be glad that when she is up she comes to you, but it is not safe for her to be wandering around by herself at night. I'm afraid some discipline is in order if she continues this when she feels better. Nip it in the bud.
Good luck...I can't even tell you how many hours of sleep we have all missed raising our kids. We have survived and so will you. It's tough, huh? I'm older, but even my little dogs wake me up now with grumbling tummies early in the morning. I feel too guilty staying in bed when I know they are hungry. You just can't win!
Take care...