My DD1 has started having trouble getting to sleep on her own at night time so I have tried a few different tactics and they all seem to work depending ...

We have always had a bedtime routine with DD1 so we have kept up with that - toilet, brush teeth, put on a nappy, read a book with Daddy, hug Mummy goodnight and then tucked into bed.

If she is unsettled I tell her that if she stays in bed, with her eyes closed, I will come back in and give her another cuddle in about 10 mins (I usually just do it in the ads of whatever is on TV so I don't have to watch the clock). This is really good for getting her to stay in bed and she knows I am coming back. There are very few nights that I have actually made it back into her room after the second time. It keeps her relaxed because she knows I am coming back and for us the most important part is keeping her in bed and keeping her still and relaxed. If she freaks out and thinks we aren't coming back to give her anothr cuddle and kiss, it stresses her out a bit and keeps her awake.

I also try to tell DD1 what we are doing the next day or after her nap and why she needs her energy. Especially at nap time she does really well with it. Telling her that after she has her nap, Daddy will be home helps her get to sleep a bit easier I think.

Gotta love little kids and nap time - we have just moved DS to a big bed and we are having all sorts of dramas getting him to stay in bed. He breaks into DD1's room which is causing all kinds of fun (especially if she has managed to get to sleep and he wakes her up).