xp: help with new bedtime separation anxiety?

bethann3181

As a s/o to the post right below about separating, we've been dealing with a new anxiety at bedtime.  DS1 (3) has always had a hard time going to bed, but the past few nights, he's waking up multiple times, screaming "See Mommy!" or "See Daddy!" over and over until he is hysterical.  The other night I went to comfort him, and tried to give him water, give him a hug, and tuck him back in, but he worked himself back up into hysterics when I tried to leave again.  I ended up laying with him until he fell asleep, and then went back into my room.  Last night, same thing happened with DH trying this time, and he ended up falling asleep in bed with DS, who then woke up even more to try and play, etc.  I really don't want sleeping in his bed (or ours) to become a habit.  I'm struggling to think of ways to help him go to sleep easily and stay asleep, without CIO, because I'd like to avoid that route if possible.  Any ideas on leaving the room without him being hysterical at bedtime, or in the middle of the night with these sudden wakings, needing to see us?   As an FYI, he does sleep with his favorite blankets, and with a nightlight turtle that shines stars on the ceiling.  While he like the turtle as a toy in general, it doesn't bring him comfort when it's bedtime.

thedash

I read the No Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and it had lots of suggestions. Honestly though, none of them ever worked for us. When DS has a sleep regression we do a version of CIO and it only takes one or two nights to get back to normal.

bethann3181

What is your version of CIO for toddlers?  We haven't had to do it in a while (since he was about 18 months old).  Just curious as to what works for you.

jlaOK

I have heard of sitting in the room with your back to him until he falls asleep and then every night slowly move further and further out of the room.