[robertsqueen]

My two year old used to have problems sleeping through the night, now he is having trouble going down for naps and bed. Like today he didn't take a nap, and fell asleep on the floor.. so I put him to bed. The minute that I laid him down he started to cry. Last night I put him to bed at 8:30 and he cried until 9:30. I feel like a horrible mother having to let him cry it out. He is so tired... but won't go to bed. Once he is asleep he will stay that way though the night. I have tried telling him that his bedtime is coming up... giving him time to adjust.. dosne't work. I will put him in his room, and he will start crying within five minutes. What else can I try? I have tried everything. I understand that he might have anxiety, but he dosne't any other time we leave him. What is going on? How can I make bedtime easier for both him and I?:(

[shygrneyzs]

They are not called the "Terrible Twos" for nothing. Setting the guidelines and then sticking to them on a consistent basis are the keys to success. No, it is not easy. Yes, it is exhausting. You feel drained out, both physically and mentally. But you get past it. So does your child. Sooner or later your child is going to know Mom means business and will follow directions without the tantrums. The crying is worse on the parent I think than it is on the child. We hate to hear the crying, thinking we are some rotten parent. But we are not rotten or mean. We are trying to set limits, enforce the limits, and teach our children obedience. The long term goal would be to instill self discipline.

About his room - what do you think he needs there? Does he require a night light? Or does he just want to be up because his parents are still up? Thinking he is missing out on anything good? Setting the bedtime, giving him a half an hour or so to get ready, having a bedtime routine (such as going to the bathroom, brushing teeth, then getting a story read), helps prepare him for going to sleep.

I know adults who have sleep problems sometimes listen to soft music - make sure there are no words to the music. When there are words in the music the ear automatically listens for the words and the sleep concentration is affected. Would something like music be beneficial?

You can always ask your doctor about this. But I think you are on the right track. You have a certain time for bed, and follow through. As hard as it is to not go in the bedroom and get the child, you need to stick to the original plan. It will get better.

Good luck to you!

[robertsqueen]

He has music on when he goes to bed. And we do the routine. I put him to bed a little earlier tonight because he didn't get a nap and was exermely cranky. It does hurt to hear him cry, but I know that it has to take place in order for him to get used to bed. I just don't know.. right now he is crying again.. but he is tired.

[shygrneyzs]

As much as I love my children, I was ever so glad when they got past that tough little age. Of course, they just graduated to other tough little ages. Lol.

You are doing the right thing, following good guidelines. When things are done in a loving but direct manner, acting calm, not losing your cool, it does get better.

Best of all to you.