Toddler won't nap=bad behaviors

Irish727

Hi, I have a 2 1/2 boy and a 6month old baby. Recently we took away my todder's pacifier and started potty training (there was some time in between). He was deeply attached to his pacifier and with it he took long naps and slept all night, we were spoiled. Now he refuses a nap and will cry and have a meltdown or just play in his room. I have taken out most of his toys in the room except for the items that bring him a little comfort now that he does not have the paci. During the day we try and keep him busy so he is tired but no luck! Early evening is awful he has a bad meltdown-hitting us, crying, won't eat etc. This has been going on for 2 weeks. His meltdowns wake the baby up and keeps me from spending time with him as well. Night time he is getting better but will play in his bed for good 2 hours before crashing. We have tried walks, later bed time, rocking him, etc. He needs the naps still he is exhausted and looks so tired. Is it all related to the paci? He is doing ok with potty training but has only been a week. Doesn't seem bothered by that. He will go back to day care in September hoping that will help get him back on track.

Any body have any advice for us? I want my sweet boy back

kgs0505

How long ago did you take away the paci?  Does he have anything else to replace it as a comfort item?  My son is very attached to his paci as well.  I probably won't take it from him until he has something else he has latched onto as comforting.  He doesn't use it during the day at all or for nap at daycare, but does for nap and sleeping overnight at home.  I'd hate to give it back at this point, especially if it's been a while, but maybe only let him have it overnight, but not naps? 

I'd be interested to hear from someone else who had an attached kiddo who successfully managed a transistion.

TiffanyBerry

That's a lot of change fairly quickly.  Would it be worth it for you/him/the family to give the paci back in hopes of getting nap time back?  You can't make him sleep, but letting him have his normal routine and comfort items might be a big help.

Irish727

Thank you for responding. We can't give back the paci has been 2 weeks and he never asks for it anymore. Plus his dentist said had to go right away his teeth were moving. He sleeps with items n blanket he loves but still not working. We let him sleep on the floor anywhere he wants for nap,nothing! Thanks for trying

TiffanyBerry

Oh yeah, I totally assumed that if he doesn't nap you move bedtime up by about as long as his naps usually are.  Absolutely!

Irish727

Yes we move his bedtime to earlier but that just means he is wide awake for another hour. Takes him 2-3 hours now to fall asleep