Toddler Becomes a Banshee at Bedtime!!

I totally agree with the other Moms who recommended not letting her back downstairs as this will make the issue worse. Our son is 27 months and has been a very good sleeper since he was 8 weeks. I have to say that we find ourselves "reinventing" his bedtime every couple of months, while keeping it quite routine. Sometimes he cries and he almost always he asks for one more story or one more song - with tears in his eyes. As hard as it is, kissing him, telling him that we love him and closing the door (with his lullabies & nightlight on) is what works best for us. Just remember that your daughter needs to know that she is safe and loved more than anything, so it may take time in her room to get her back on track - but don't give in and let her out of the room once your nightime routine has begun. This too shall pass!!! Good luck!

One other thing that my sisters with grown children keep reminding me of ... the second year of life is all about asserting one's self. Remembering that tends to make each little battle that much easier to hurdle!

No mother wants to have their child cry or be upset but that doesn't mean we should let them have their way. Your teaching your daughter that if she keeps crying she will get her way. Yes she is going to be tired,sleepy and crabby but they need to know that when you say something it will stick. Some children don't like to go to bed and its ok if she cries and gets upset. Let her cry it out and if need maybe put a nightlight in her room. She doesn't want to go to bed and every child tries to get out of going to bed but you need to let her know its bedtime and she can't get out and if you start this its only going to get worse as she gets older.

Hi N D, at this stage in a child's life they develop fears! My son became very aware of shadows and noises while in his room. My suggestion would be to spend more time in her room before bedtime. We had to remove any stuffed animals, toys that could look scary at night, and anything that could look like a shadow. It only took a few nights of this new routine and he was right on track.

Good luck!

P. licensed childcare provider since 1996

Quit bringing her downstairs.

For over 2 years, she's been able to go to bed fine on her own so there's no reason why she cannot do so now. Of course, make sure she isn't scared of anything or needs anything, but the expectation of bedtime needs to remain the same. If there is nothing wrong with her, then she's capable of going to sleep. This is where you can give yourself a big pat on the back as a mommy because you are so much fun to be around that she doesn't want to miss a moment with you! However, as an adult you understand how important sleep is to her physical, mental, and social development so you need to be the one to regulate that.

Put her in her crib, give her a kiss and say good night, then leave. Returning over and over will only prolong the crying - her logic will be "If I scream and cry, mommy will come back and I will get my way." You might try sticker charts and reward systems as well.

Continue with your bedtime routine, don't give in!! You are in control, do not let your child control you!! She knows from past experience that if she keeps crying and cries hard enough you will cave in and let her go back downstairs to play. Once she knows that that will not happen anymore, no matter how hard she cries the tears will stop. But this will only happen if you are consistent and follow through when you tell her it is time for bed. Good luck and be strong.

Put her in a toddler bed. My son did this when he was in a crib so I tried letting him sleep in the day bed that was in his room and made a big fuss about it being a big boy bed. He loves it. and has been sleeping like this for almost a year. He is 28 months. Good luck! D.

Have you thought about moving her out of the crib and into a big girl bed? My son is also 25 months and is VERY independent and thus likes to be able to get in and out of bed. Good luck! Hope whatever you try works!