She's only been in a big bed for a few weeks and some nights is better than others. I just keep saying to her, "mummy read this book, then mummy goes" if she won't get into bed or is getting in and out. It was just too frustrating to try and keep her in bed before reading a story so now I sit down and read it by her bed regardless of whether she's in bed or somewhere else in her room. Normally she will get into bed as she can see the pictures better from there.
Sometimes it takes her 1-2 hours before she goes to sleep and we can hear her rattling around in there or singing. I leave her to it unless she's rattling the door handle or is calling for us.
Around the same age DD1 here got super stressed about going to bed at night. In the end we did dinner, bath, book in bed, she was tucked up and I sat and read to her. She would then proceed with all manner of distractions and would get really upset. DH and I had massive issues around it as he felt I was mishandling it and she should just 'get over it' . Anyway - we too tried all manner of techniques (some I am not too happy about either) - in the end I sat in her room and read my book (thank's to the nightlight) with my back turned to her. After her bedtime routine I told her I would sit there until she fell asleep but that she wasn't to talk to me. I think it took about half an hour the first night, was much quicker the next few and I gradually worked my way out of the room. Some nights we have to do this even now. I also spent a few minutes after the book (Time for bed - here too!!!) talking to her about how much DH and I love her - even when we are not there, and spent some time talking about all the fun things we did during the day. I included something I was really proud of her for too. A friend mentioned that she may be feeling a little insecure as she is a clingy girl and that I should try to reassure her of her place in our family etc (We had just had #2 also).
Not sure if any of this will help but can DD tell you what is wrong... we had scared of the dark, so got nightlight and leave on a hall light for her to go to sleep. She then talked about just needing me....sounds crazy but it has paid off for us here most of the time.
Take care it is so stressful - I used to be filled with dread at that time of night. xx
we have tried the stay in the room thing - and it worked for quite a while, but then DH would get stressed because she would keep getting out of bed to see what he was doing and scream for me etc etc and so iw ould have to go in there and calm it all down.
then we tried the same routine but leave and she wouls scream the door down for 1-1.5hrs
she wont stay in her bed - doesnt matter if door is opened, closed, light on or off. She wants to lay next to us.
I know this is lovely and all but when we do lay with her she will hit us and kick us and get upset cause she wants to come downstairs and watch tv or play etc which she isnt allowed to do after dinner.
these are techniques we have tried over the past 9=10 months. it has been a long painful journey.
I end up exhausted because DH is often changing his mind on how he wants to approach it so there is no consistency, so we fight, she screams and it is 1030 and we are all stressed.
And i dont know what to do about the day sleep.
She hasnt had a proper day sleep since the big bed came in last dec.
The only time she will sleep is if we go out in the morning and she falls asleep in the car about 1130.
or she is totally buggered by 330-4pm and passes out - but then isnt tired or screaming to stay up at 1030pm!!!
we do the same thing for day sleeps - chg nappy (take off jeans), drink of water, lie in bed and read a book or 2 - cuddle or sit on bed til he goes to sleep.
to resetlle day or night (he wakes in the night still) we go in, pick him up and cuddle him, drink of water, cuddle more - put into bed and he usually rlls over and goes back to sleep
Believe me we have had MAJOR sleep issues - i am shocked i am even givinga ny sleeping advice LOL!
I agree important to get on same page as DH, i have been there with the yelling at each other in the night about it - it aint pretty...
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. Anyway - we too tried all manner of techniques (some I am not too happy about either) - in the end I sat in her room and read my book (thank's to the nightlight) with my back turned to her. After her bedtime routine I told her I would sit there until she fell asleep but that she wasn't to talk to me. I think it took about half an hour the first night, was much quicker the next few and I gradually worked my way out of the room. Some nights we have to do this even now. I also spent a few minutes after the book (Time for bed - here too!!!) talking to her about how much DH and I love her - even when we are not there, and spent some time talking about all the fun things we did during the day. I included something I was really proud of her for too. A friend mentioned that she may be feeling a little insecure as she is a clingy girl and that I should try to reassure her of her place in our family etc (We had just had #2 also).
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