Help! I Can't Get Toddler to Bed! Only Dad Can!

I agree with Amber and I have the same problem. My son thinks I am the pushover. You have to be firm and not give in. It will be hard at first but should get better each night until it is not an issue. I went back into my son's room once, and he stopped going to bed for me after that. Make sure you have a relaxing bedtime routine in place. When he gets difficult I try to distract him with a story and then just stand firm when it is time to leave. It is very hard for me to listen to him cry but I just think about how hard it will continue to be if I give in.

I agree with the other postings, you have to be firm and not give in. Her screaming, throwing of toys, and yes, possibly even vomiting is her way of getting your attention. I went through this too. If/When I DID go into the room, it was only to take care of the vomit - NO TALKING, no other attention or soothing. My friend suggested making the bed, THEN putting leakproof pad over the first fitted sheet, then putting a second fitted sheet over the pad. This allows you to remove the top fitted sheet and waterproof pad and still have a "made bed" after an incidents.

Here's a suggestion - how about if your husband calls at 8pm to say good night. Then when he DOES come home, he stays where she can't hear him, like the basement. He's not allowed to intervene, or this will encourage her "staying up" to see him when he gets home. It also might help if on the evenings he's going to be "late" if he can spend some extra time with her in the mornings.

Finally, on nights my girls KNOW Daddy's not going to be home for dinner (which is maybe once a week or so), we go out to "a breakfast dinner" or have a "movie night". Now they can't wait for Dad to not be home! They love the special time when he's out.

Hope this helps!

Sara

Your husband doesn't give in. She can feel the lack of give. You're effectively giving in to a temper tantrum. Ignore it and leave her in bed and it will clear up in a day or two. It's the same reason that kids listen when dad says no and not when mom does, or when the babysitter can get them to nap and they won't when mom is there. I had a cry-vomiter and I would go in and clean her up, but I would leave her in bed. LOL, how I feel your pain. You wouldn't give her candy for throwing a fit, would you? Leave her in bed.

I don't have any suggestions, but I wanted to let you know you aren't alone...my 2 year old son is the same way. It can sometimes take me upwards of 2 hours to get him to go down - and when I give up, all my husband has to do is go in there and tell him that it's bedtime and he lays down no problem. I empathize with your situation, and am hopeful that someone has some advice!!