Hi, We had a terrible time getting our son to sleep. He became very attached to falling asleep on our lap before we put him to bed. We tried everything to get him out of the habit. Then when he was just over 2 we tried again and it worked. We both said goodnight with the same routine and words (use whatever suits you e.g. Goodnight sweetheart, sleep well, I'll see you in the morning. I love you). Be happy but quiet. We read him one or two books of his choice, then turned out the lights, gave him his bottle and one of us (usually dad) sat at the end of hte bed (not looking at him or talking) until he goes to sleep. There were tears the first couple of nights and my husband had to use a few stern words but we kept to the routine. Each night it took less time to get him to sleep. Then we moved to sit at the door, the outside the door etc. We didn't react to him unless he actually got out of bed when dad would quickly and purposefully march in, put Luke back in bed and walked out again.

I think your 3 year old is well and truly ready to understand. Try to explain that when the sun has gone, then people sleep - mum, dad, nana, pop, dog, cat etc etc, and when the sun comes up then people wake up. It's very difficult but try to remember that when your DD cries etc she is probably angry and doing her very best to upset you and make you feel guilty!! Try to make her feel bad for keeping YOU awake and that you are really, really tired and need to sleep. In the morning, you can praise her for doing better.
Good luck. It's so hard but you'll be truly pleased with yourself when you win!!
Zoe :sleeping: