Goodnight, sleeptight

I've always had a hard time putting Shaylee to sleep.  I could never let her "cry it out".  Mainly because she would never give up.  The more she cried the more worked up she would get.  I have always put Shaylee to bed by laying down by her and watching a movie or snuggling until she fell asleep. 

I have to say I didn't hate it.  I got lots of good quality cuddle time with my one and only and I enjoyed it.  But she is turning 5 soon and with the new school year fast approaching I finally had the realization that there is a better way.

The last year our sleep ritual has been for me to read her 3 stories and then lights out and I'd sing or hum songs until she finally nodded off.  Problem is sometimes it takes longer than I would like for her to fall asleep and it takes a big chunk of my night away and I end up frustrated. 

Solution: Chore chart.  Shaylee gets a sticker for every day she does the following.  At the end of the summer she earns a scooter or toy of her choice. 
1. Goes to sleep by herself. I still read her 3 stories and sing 2 songs and then I leave and she goes to sleep.
2. Only one sippy of milk. (Yes I am well aware that we are way past the sippy age).
3. Pick up her messes.
4. Brush teeth without complaining or playing around.

We have had great success. Bedtime is so much more enjoyable. It's not nearly the time investment that it used to be so I cherish it all that much more. Look at this little sleeping beauty!

                                         She sleeps at the end of the bed to be
                                                            closer to the nightlight.

                                  I don't know why but when I go in and she is sound
                                                    asleep my heart breaks a little bit.