My 6-year-old has been caught sneaking out several times: What can we do?!

my 6yr old was cause 2nd time sneaking out. with in a month. 1st time she snuck oit took her scooter and went to mcds cause ‘she was hungry’ this was at 1030pm. some stranger saw her and this lady walked her home. its about a 10-15min walk…i went to the school guidence counsler for advice and i brought her in and we talked with her about the dangers of what COULD have happened. also had a school cop talk to her and he basically told her theres people who will take u and make u do aweful horrible things. .and youll. ever see mom and dad again. this morning about 2am. my husband came running upstairs panicking asking where she was. i woke up ran outside with him. we found her at my car with my car keys…brought her inside and i talked to her some. she said she wanted her headphones out of the car. she had my husbands old phone in her bed and was on spotify looking up kids sleep music. Friday night she didn go to eep till probably 130am. woke up 7-8am Saturday she got sent to bed early like 630 pm. had a fit tried explaining she wasn i trouble she just needs to go to bed cause shes overly tired. well thay was a fight in itself. she has adhd. on meds for it. but they only help for about 8-9hrs. cause its a stimulant medication. we recently moved states. she misses her friends but has friends at new school. im trying to get therapynfor her but everyone has a really long waitlist or doesn take her insurance. has dr appt monday morning going to try talk to pediatrician. but i nedd advice on what to do. cause my husband and i are at a loss. im going to get door alarms once i find good ones. i got the ones from $ store but they dont fitniur door right so they weren much help.

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Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. My 6-year-old has been caught sneaking out several times: What can we do?! - Mamas Uncut

Get an alarm on your doors and windows. And just love on her and give her positive attention until she can see someone.

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Maybe put alarms on the doors? I would also get her to talk to a counselor

Put a bell on the outside of her door and a baby monitor in there. I’d also install a lock up at the top of your front door frame. With a bell on it as well.

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We put alarms on all of the doors, we had the same problem when my oldest was about 4. He would usually go to the neighbors house and sit with them while they had morning coffee. Regardless we didn’t know where he was and anyone could pick him up passing by.

I would have installed sliding locks on the top of all outside doors and put a key lock on those as well. Omg why have you waited so long?

get an alarm on some doors

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Put alarms on her bedroom door and any outside doors plus all windows. That will stop her!

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Omg! How scary… I would put alarms on the doors and windows. I would also get her into some counseling.

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Sleep meds and lots of child safety locks and devices. Cameras with motion detection. Home security.

put a lock at the top of the door. edited to add: the top of the front door, not her bedroom door.

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Most kids on adhd meds need something to help them sleep at bedtime. You need to alarm all doors and windows.

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Hook locks on the top of the door on the inside. I don’t care what anyone says, a 6 year old cannot be running around outside!!!

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Locks that are out of thier reach
And even
Alarms on doors and windows

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Wow ! Too wise for her age ! A 16yo in a 6yo body by the sounds . Door locks and alarms for the win.

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Just curious how does that happen at 6 years old??:flushed:

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Door alarms are helpful, but your doctors should have discussed the fact that sleep disorders and ADHD go hand in hand, especially in those who are medicated. It’s often recommended that a sleep aid be taken in addition to daily amphetamines.

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Get a security system with window and door sensors. Set the alarm to go off at a certain time every night and it’ll set it off loudly. That’s what we have! Extra locks up high on every door and window that she CAN NOT REACH.

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Better get those alarms with pass codes, if it just had a switch she may turn it off.

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Secure your front door better first of all and go from there

Put loud alarms on her windows and door

I agree with everyone about the lock on the top of the door where she can’t reach it even with a chair

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Why would you except a 6yr old to sleep through the night 6:30pm bedtime? Even the dollar tree has alarms for door cost $1.25, invest in something to keep your child safe. Door cam? Sounds like may need sleep evaluation and regular night time bath/ pj’s story routine.

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Lock her in her room at night and put a bell if she needs you

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Talk to the doc about changing her meds my daughter has adhd and is a handful… I feel for you it’s hard but it does get better… and was violent we put her on the meds they helped for a little bit still had violent mood swings we switched her off the med completely and on a different med and it’s a whole new kid she still has her days but way better also caffeine works opposite on kids with adhd so a mtn dew or even a cup of coffee will mellow her out

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I was going to say the same thing with the door lock at the top or even alarm?

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Lock everything.
Alarm everything.
Make sure she knows she can come to you or dad if she needs something or is hungry.
And will NOT be in trouble for waking you’s etc.

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Buy a security system. A bell, something. We have the ring security system. With my son having adhd we’ve always had a routine and stuck with it. Have her play outside and do something active, like running or going on walks. He sleeps great. What time is she taking her meds? And which ones is she on? We sent the kids to bed around 8pm when they were 6. Eat breakfast, then take meds. If it’s not long enough ask for a different kind. I’m not sure where you’re at but ask for an evaluation center, we have a center that helps diagnose kids the right way. They could have misdiagnosed her.

Alarms. You can also get tracker bracelets and anklets that many special needs kiddos have that are runners. I would 100% go this route. Also call and talk to your police station. Tell them you have a six year old that is a runner and leaving your property. They can have the info on file and can activate and track the bracelet. This is definitely not a normal behavior and you need the Dr, counselor and law on your side. Your school social worker can hook you up with the resources and many qualify for free.

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Have you tried melatonin for children, it is all natural and really works. Not sure how effective with ADHD medication though. Also, maybe one of those alarms that detect movement when she comes out of her bedroom?

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Secure house at any cost.

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Also she probably can’t sleep from the stimulant medication. Although the focus from the meds might least 6-9 hours stimulant effect will make it hard to sleep. For example when I take my ADD meds I can’t sleep like at all until I stop taking it

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My younger sister would try this my mom put a double bolt lock on the front and back door and gave everyone a key and we put security alarms on all the window and one of the bedroom door

I’m battling to understand how she gets out? Surely you can just lock the doors and hide the keys? Maybe its a south African thing to have locked doors that no one can access without keys ?

If shes in bed at 6:30 pm which is pretty early I would think but her waking up at 1:30 am basically means she got her full amount of almost 7-8 hrs of sleep :thinking:. Instead maybe take her for walks or something to drain some energy then get her to bed a bit later. Don’t let her nap during the day either.

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So sorry that you’re going through that. And it sounds like you are taking the necessary steps to make sure that she is safe. I would say maybe alarm on the main doors that allows her to go outside, maybe some thing that will allow you to know when she gets up. don’t lock her doors but make sure that the doors to the house have alarms or bells that will alarm you when she gets up.

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Definitely need a pediatrician appointment and pediatric psychologist appoint YESTERDAY. This is extremely dangerous and not trying to be mean or rude but you have to make your home safe and able to contain her. Cameras, locks, split shift sleeping, whatever it takes.

I agree with locks and alarms this is freaking crazy my 6 yr old would be terrified to ride his scooter somewhere alone at night He won’t even go to the basement alone because its dark until you get to the bottom of the steps to turn on the lights

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Sneaking out at 6 yrs old - because she’s hungry? You need a therapist - better than dollar store alarms - and maybe feed her ?

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What about a good spanking???

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It sounds like there may be more to her ADHD, please see a pediatrician and possibly a psych.
She may have some sleep issues from the meds too. There are other meds to help and other alternatives.
Monitoring her with a baby monitor would be good. Incorporate a sound machine and please do not allow her to have a phone…I feel that may keep her alert longer than asleep. Be safe.

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shes probably a normal ass 6 yr old and you have her on medication thats a stimulant!
no wonder she isn’t sleeping and no wonder shes doing outrageous stuff
either take her off the meds, or put high up locks on ALL your doors so you know shes inside at all times during the night

personally i think most parents are too quick to allow drs to give their children stimulant drugs.
im 30yrs old and all my drs, will NOT prescribe me stimulant medicine bc its addicive and bad for you, so they opt out on the OTHER medications.
i get denied every time for stimulant meds and ive never even been on meds before. shes 6…

stop allowing them to give your children medication like that and just let the course of a child run through being a child.

We put locks on the top of our doors. In our old home we had multiple locks: slide lock on top and bottom, key locks, door guards, and bells. We did this because I used to sleep walk and would attempt to drive in my sleep.

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Rest assured you can put a lock she can’t reach on her own. Also maybe try explaining it on her own level. Example could be you crying and her learning it made you upset… Maybe you should install safety cameras for your own protection so they can’t use negligence in case of a nightmare happening again.

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A house alarm and an alarm on all doors that alert when the door is opened
Also bells on doors.
Can you tell her that from now on before she wants to go outside without telling anyone she should tell mommy or daddy and they will help her figure out what she needs and she won’t be in any trouble?

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You can ask her doctor for meds to her her sleep. My son doctor has him on 2MG of melatonin… it works wonders for us.

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Window and door alarms

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Get an alarm on the doors and windows… do NOT lock her in her room. It’s such a safety hazard!!

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Put alarms on doors and windows.

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Locks at the tops of Doors alarms etc. You need to childproof your home so this is not an option.

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Idk if you have Comcast or that in the area, but we pay $12/mo for security. We have our 3 doors set, it makes noises anytime it’s open and you have the alarm too. You can do your windows too.

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Is that her only exit? Via door? Nonetheless, yes definitely invest in alarms loud enough to wake y’all and locks for windows and doors leading to outside. Be persistent in why she shouldn’t leave without yours and dads consent. Maybe encouraging her to “ask for permission” will trick her into thinking she has some responsibilities over leaving the house. If that makes sense. Idk if you’re against anything herbal for encouraging her body to sleep through the night? Definitely ask her pediatrician about that. Good luck and prayers for you and your husband and daughter. It sounds nerve wracking and I could imagine the stress.

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Also 630pm is VERY early. My little kids go down at 730 but that’s just because they are VERY early risers! They are up at 6 on a daily.

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Locks on doors high up and child proof in a way she can’t open them

There are magnetic alarms you can use they’re on a string and when the door opens, the magnet pulls away from the device and sets the alarm off. They use them for chair alarms for the elderly too

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Try betterhelp it’s a virtual zoom counseling site

Alarms. Now. Two on her bedroom.

High locks on doors she can’t reach. I know it’s scary in case of a fire. But consider the real, current threat

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Nikki Santos Mackenzie

Alarms and locks on all doors that she can’t reach. Please have her evaluated for autism.

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I’d get those cheap alarms that make a loud noise when the door or windows open

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Omg how terrifying :persevere::scream: definitely get alarms on the doors and windows

I’m sorry Mama!! This scared me to death for you all!!! I think u need to let her know how much it actually “hurts” you. Most kids don’t want their mommy crying. I saw someone above me commented u could be crying when u talk to her low key. I like that idea
Good luck and God Bless :heart:

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I’d put locks that require a key to unlock and make sure you take the key with you to bed.

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Get alarms, blink cameras are affordable and link to your Amazon account/phone for updates

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Have her checked for sleep apnea any snoring drooling sleeping with mouth open? If so have her seen by an ENT for a sleep study. Does she have her tonsils intact?

I have alarms on every window and door. And put a deadbolt on the top of the door when my kids were younger. Omg that’s so scary! Sneaking out at 6 years old :flushed::flushed:

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Your poor nerves mama!!!

Listen my son used to do same stuff and could not explain why or just a crazy excuse. Get her tested add adhd a whole host of mental disorders! This is not normal behavior for a 6 year old. Do what it takes

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My kids that where or are adhd or add don’t sleep much especially at a young age , with meds or with out. Door alarms are a must, or maybe a motion detector light hooked to come on in your room if she gets up at nite

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She can’t sleep because the stimulant based medicine. I know you’re just doing what doctors tell you, but my recommendation is do your research on the medication. If it’s adderall it’s basically just legal meth.

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Harbor Fright has inexpensive, effective alarms.

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My daughter is on meds for ADHD she has to take something for sleep, she takes 6 mg of melatonin at night n a Benadryl ( Benadryl is for allergies but does he with sleep)

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How is she getting McDonald’s money😂 that is one determined 6yr old

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Put slide locks up high on all doors to the outside. She won’t be able to reach them and then will have a harder time trying to leave.

When I was little I would sleep walk. So my grandparents put dead bolts on the top of the door and put alarms on the doors and windows. Hopefully this helps.

My parents screwed our window shut. But not at 6. Holy moly. Sounds like you might need to get an alarm system going for the whole house

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Double sided deadbolts need key to unlock it from either side get window locks as well and try giving her some melatonin around 8:30 pm so she stays asleep all night maybe a security system that goes off if any doors or windows are opened best of luck but start with the double sided dead bolt and keep key on necklace

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What in the world!!! At 6 years old and she’s doing all this😳 Time for some punishments. First thing you should do is put an alarm system on your house and set it at night so that it goes off when she opens the door.

Wow 6? Sleep in her room and high door locks with alarm

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Blink cameras on Amazon and sensor’s on all doors and windows. The sensors can be bought at Wal-Mart or target.

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Alarms and locks on all doors and windows. Maybe do some melatonin for a couple days to see if it helps her sleep through the night. Also I know in nursing homes they have alarms that go under the sheet and any time the person gets up it sets the alarm off.

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I blame social media for shit n have some testing done on her to rule out anything of tht nature

My daughter has ADHD she’s 10 now. We had to try a few different meds to find the right one. My daughter is impulsive too. She knows right from wrong . But her ability to control the wrong is very hard at times. Talk to her pediatrician about a different med maybe. Plus I give my daughter melatonin at night to help her sleep. Keeping the same routine is very important.

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My worst fear I’m sorry mama. Set alarms per hour to wake and check on her too

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A bed alarm!! It will go off every time she gets up

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At 6:30 pm in the evening going to bed at 6 year old is ridiculous. No kid wants to go to bed at that time. No wonder she gets up in the middle of the night

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She could be sleepwalking.

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put the lock up high on the door with no chairs handy

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My 7 yr old nephew did this kind of sneaking out last yr unfortunately he would take his 4 yr old bro along. They went through a 2nd fl window out onto roof of porch a few times. He fell pretty bad. Wasnt hurt but it shook him bad. He has stopped after that.
They put the alarms on bedrm door so he knew they were not in windows, so bro in law nailed windows shut.
It is terrifying when u have a sm kid sneaking out. One thing that may help is get a local officer to speak to her if she tries again. They did that to his older bro who used to go out front door at like 5 yrs old. It helped stop oldest boy! All 4 nephews have ADHD and struggled with sleeping. Try children’s melatonin too and keep a very consistent bed time and routine.

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Bust that butt take away toys put better locks on doors and get a door video cam

We have an alarm system through our internet provider check with them see if they offer it, we also bought a gas station alarm from Amazon anytime my daughter comes out of her room it sounds like were at the gas station. But put high locks on the doors and even an alarm on all the windows and doors.

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If she knows she is not supposed to be doing it, and is doing it anyway, the obvious answer is door locks and alarms. Those will take of her physically being able to do those things.

I’m not sure why your six year old is up at that time of night, so you may need to also address daytime napping and physical exercise as well.

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Chain locks on the door. My son sleepwalks so I can relate

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She might need meds to sleep… our son has adhd and autism and insomnia and anxiety he takes meds in the morning for the adhd and meds at night for sleep most kids with adhd can’t sleep

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plus a security system.

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Does she get in trouble for coming out to the main part of the house after bedtime hours? My 3 year old is a night owl and doesn’t need much sleep some days. We let her come out and watch tv or have a snack, there’s no consequences for not going to sleep on time. Is it maybe she doesn’t want to get in trouble? Where was she planning on going when she had your car keys? Is it because she is hungry? Would a bed time snack help her sleep?

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I agree with the alarms on doors and windows BUT…DO NOT LOCK HER IN or screw windows shut
Those are huge fire safety hazards

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Definitely order window and door alarms off Amazon immediately

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Melatonin or Benadryl