While some of us worry about flu shots ....others ......

**esme** · 11-14-2005, 11:53 AM

Would you give your kids sleeping pills??

I wouldn't

**InfiniteNothing** · 11-14-2005, 12:35 PM

I prefer chloroform

**Thesifer** · 11-14-2005, 02:07 PM

I guess it depends on their age, but not for anything long term.

**DarkFury** · 11-14-2005, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by InfiniteNothing

I prefer chloroform

Brandy maybe?

**esme** · 11-14-2005, 02:25 PM

what about .....JESUS JUICE!!

**avlena** · 11-14-2005, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Thesifer

I guess it depends on their age, but not for anything long term.

I think it would be okay as long as the pill has been tested for kids, and isn't abused by the parent. I'm comfortable taking sleeping pills myself, though I'm careful not to make a habit out of it because I don't want to be hooked on a pill in order to sleep, so I would imagine the same should apply when giving a sleeping pill to a child.

**esme** · 11-14-2005, 03:19 PM

but starting so young ....don't you think that it may lead to them (later) becoming dependant on them?

**Mommypooh** · 11-14-2005, 03:26 PM

I would never give my young children medicine to make them sleep. There are other ways to put kids to sleep, spend time with your child reading, rocking, anything like that. I mean this is just a new way for parents to not have to spend tiem with their kids.

**LPMiller** · 11-14-2005, 04:46 PM

I sneak up behind them and smack 'em with a blackjack. They never see it coming.

**avlena** · 11-14-2005, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Mommypooh

I would never give my young children medicine to make them sleep. There are other ways to put kids to sleep, spend time with your child reading, rocking, anything like that. I mean this is just a new way for parents to not have to spend tiem with their kids.

what do you do when you have insomnia? i've spent enough frustrating nights to appreciate an occasional sleeping pill. I'd never give an infant or toddler medicine to sleep, but a 10 yr old, maybe.

Originally Posted by esme

but starting so young ....don't you think that it may lead to them (later) becoming dependant on them?

not if you teach them that medicines shouldn't be abused. For me, when I go through my bouts of insomnia, all it takes is one or two nights of sleeping pills before i'm back on my regular sleep schedule, and then i don't bother with pills anymore. i would also emphasize that you need to do other things to prepare yourself for sleep, like not drinking soda, and getting quiet time beforehand.

It shouldn't be a blanket solution, used if your kid is on a sugar high before bed, or whenever the mood strikes you - that's just irresponsible. but what if your kid really did have sleeping problems? would you rather see your kid go w/o sleep for days, affecting his/her health and mood, or would you rather give your kid a pill that will help?

i'm kind of curious - for the people who said no, do you take sleeping pills yourself?

**esme** · 11-14-2005, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by avlena

not if you teach them that medicines shouldn't be abused.

i don't think it's as easy as just saying "this is only to help you sleep baby ....but you can't be taking them everyday ...okay?" if they like the feeling of being able to go to sleep with a little pill ...it's just easier ....kids like easy

Originally Posted by avlena

i'm kind of curious - for the people who said no, do you take sleeping pills yourself?

i, personally, have never used any sleeping pills.

**ooBaKeep** · 11-14-2005, 05:20 PM

Warm milk, a good story and snuggle with mom. That'll do the trick.

**avlena** · 11-14-2005, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by esme

i don't think it's as easy as just saying "this is only to help you sleep baby ....but you can't be taking them everyday ...okay?" if they like the feeling of being able to go to sleep with a little pill ...it's just easier ....kids like easy

i, personally, have never used any sleeping pills.

yeah, but you risk that danger with everything. what if they like the idea of taking headache medicine, and they claim headaches in order to get more? what do you do when the kid wants "one more story" constantly, because he enjoys being up extra late? what happens when a kid pretends to cry in order to get his/her way? these are all addicting behaviors, giving the kid the ez route to whatever they want. you have to be a responsible parent, and know when to draw the line. it's not like you give a kid the bottle of pills to take at will.

**ArkiStan** · 11-15-2005, 12:47 AM

If I really had no choice but to give them pills, I would NEVER tell them that it's the pills that are helping him/her sleep. Sleep is influenced so heavily by psychological factors. Biological dependancy may be inevitable, but at least I can prevent them from thinking that they need pills to sleep.

**WhiskeyPapa** · 11-15-2005, 07:01 AM

Crap, just let the kid crawl into bed with you. That puts kids to sleep instantly.

I wouldn't give my kids sleeping pills because I don't want them to learn that everything can be solved with medication.

**esme** · 11-15-2005, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by avlena

yeah, but you risk that danger with everything. what if they like the idea of taking headache medicine, and they claim headaches in order to get more? what do you do when the kid wants "one more story" constantly, because he enjoys being up extra late? what happens when a kid pretends to cry in order to get his/her way? these are all addicting behaviors, giving the kid the ez route to whatever they want. you have to be a responsible parent, and know when to draw the line. it's not like you give a kid the bottle of pills to take at will.

i see your point ....but i'd rather read "one more story" then have them "pop one more pill"

imho ....

**Mommypooh** · 11-15-2005, 08:12 PM

No I have not taken sleep medicines and I have been up for days at a time becuase I can't sleep. I know if I wait it out and get tired enough and get some exercise it will fix itself. I don't need a little pill to make me sleep.

**Mommypooh** · 11-15-2005, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by esme

i see your point ....but i'd rather read "one more story" then have them "pop one more pill"

imho ....

**avlena** · 11-15-2005, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by Mommypooh

No I have not taken sleep medicines and I have been up for days at a time becuase I can't sleep. I know if I wait it out and get tired enough and get some exercise it will fix itself. I don't need a little pill to make me sleep.

which is why i asked... i think some opposition to giving kids sleeping pills stems from a dislike of taking sleeping pills in general, irregardless of age. i respect and believe in sleeping pills as a valid way to help insomnia, which is why i don't think i think that it would be okay to give to a kid with correct supervision. some people view sleeping pills as a horrible thing to be avoided at all costs, thus it would be equally horrible to give to a child.

to each his/her own.

**avlena** · 11-15-2005, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by esme

i see your point ....but i'd rather read "one more story" then have them "pop one more pill"

imho ....

of course. but if one more story never works, then what do you do, let your kid's health suffer because he/she can't sleep no matter what you do? all i'm saying is that sometimes traditional parenting methods don't work. it shouldn't be a common solution, to give a drug to your child, but why couldn't it be an option when all others have been exhausted?

**oblongmelon** · 11-15-2005, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by avlena

of course. but if one more story never works, then what do you do, let your kid's health suffer because he/she can't sleep no matter what you do? all i'm saying is that sometimes traditional parenting methods don't work. it shouldn't be a common solution, to give a drug to your child, but why couldn't it be an option when all others have been exhausted?

Anyone who has children can vouch that all kids go through periods of restlessness when they want one more story, one more drink of water etc..it's their way of playing games. You just have to be firm and say NO. AND MEAN IT. Kids haven't been sleeping for generations just to bug parents and no one ever died from it that I know of..now parents-that's a different story. You NEVER sleep once you have kids-EVER. You are too busy worring about them, their lives, their safety, their health etc..it comes with being a parent. Even when they become adults and move out-you still worry and you still freak out when a rogue phone call comes through in the middle of the night..you panic before you even hear the second ring. (only to find out it's some drunk dude thinking he called a cab)..giving kids sleeping pills is nothing I would ever suggest to anyone. It just doesnt make sense. If a child is getting proper food, enough exercise, and plenty of stimulation during the day, then they should be ready to sleep by the time you want them in bed.