Ally ~ I totally agree with KittyKat....it's bloody hard, they make us feel so guilty...and they know it too!!!! LOL

Your idea of laying with him at first with no tv or toys is great. Maybe even read him a book while he has his bottle. Then when he's bigger the *routine* is the same, but he can have a cup of milk and then a book. He will get to understand that the milk and book is the signal for Quiet Time.
Then after he's used to that, you can start to move out of the room after you have finished reading the book, and start to let him quieten himself down. But remember, if he has you to lay with him, he will want you all the time in the future to help him quieten down!!!

I know of a lady that has to lay and pat both her sons (6 & 8yrs) until they fall asleep each night. She made the mistake of doing that in the beginning and man is she paying for it now.

Be strong honey....you have to do it for his own good...it's not being nasty...it's teaching him to find some quiet time in his day...which we all love...watching TV, Reading, sitting down on a rainy day to enjoy the smell and sound of the rain on the roof.

Tonight I read Chantelle 2 little books in her bed. I put them straight back into the bookcase, kissed her goodnight and told her I loved her all the way to the moon and back. She called out *mummy I need you*....I quietly said "it's bedtime love, see you in the morning". I left the room and all I heard was her singing nursery rhymes to herself in this happy little voice for about 5 mins and then she was asleep...what a way to go to sleep....HAPPY !! It's not silly, nor is it a horrible thing to teach your child. But, always do what's right in *your heart* !!

Good luck...please let me know how you get on ... I'm here if you need support. I've been there and I'm going right down the same track. LOL.

KittyKat ~ Glad you like my tips. My sister is not only a teacher but she is employed to teach *Positive Parenting* to alot of parents at a few schools up north. So, she's very clever at understanding child behaviour and also looking toward the future to help them do well in school !!

Luv Beccy