Im at a loss right now as my 18 month old will NO longer sleep by himself. It seems since 2 weeks ago when we visited the inlaws this behaviour has started. While we were away he would not sleep and only wanted to me to rock him... I put it down to being in a strange environment; however he has continued this beahviour at home. We put him to bed between 7:30 and 8pm and he will cry and scream hystericaly for a long time...the only way to calm him down is to rock him; however even that does not last cause as soon as you put him down he starts screaming. I even gave in a few times and tried putting him in bed with my husband and I but that doesnt work either...he just thinks its playtime then. I just need some reasurance that this is normal or that I havent tramatized him from our visit at a strange place. I feel so bad for him and helpless because neither one of us is sleeping anymore!!He acts truly scared when it comes to bed or nap time.... Please help...any suggestions would help...oh he also is doing this for his daytime nap as well!!
Thanks
Thomasina
4 comments:
Maybe it is the longer days and that is why he is restless and wants to stay up and play?
Both my children went through this. Our solution: (you might not like it), they ARE truly scared to be alone. I am their mother. I lay down beside them until they are asleep. My husband and I then have 2-4 hours to ourselves, then go to bed... when they wake up, they ar simply welcome in our bed and everyone sleeps. (we have a king size). For naps, my two year old sleeps on the couch. I sit besid eher until she falls asleep then go about my business. Trust your own natural instincts and do what your body tells you to do. They will be grown up before you know it and wanting their freinds mor ethan you soon. Enjoy the attachment.(if you can?)
Best of luck!
I really doubt you have traumatized him by staying away at someone else's home. Toddlers are VERY smart and if yours liked the fact that you layed down with him he will do what he can to make sure you don't stop. This may seem harsh but you need to enforce the fact (if you want to) that your toddler has to go to sleep on his own. It might take a few nights of persistence but I would just keep putting him back in his bed and reassuring him that is ok, until he understands you are not staying in his bed. If you give in after 30 mins, he will just try longer next time. Hope that helps.
Hey, Thanks everyone for writing your opinions!! My DH and I have been going in and only rubbing his back and assuring him its ok...we try not to pick him up unless we think hes truly in distress over something. Lastnight was the first night he has actually slept through without waking up screaming in over a month!! YEAHHH!!!
I agree they are so much smarter then we give them credit for; however I truly felt he was scared in the begining....but now im starting to see how these "episodes" have become a habit. Thanks soo much fellow moms!! I appreciate it all!!
Thomasina
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