How do you go about changing the bedtime routine?

rjbear21

Here's our deal.  I've always been the one to put DD to bed.  DH used to be gone all the time for work.  Well at this point,  I still am the one to do the whole routine because he just doesn't really know what it's all about.  Recently he was gone for 2 months for training for his new job.  (home on weekends)  He's now done with training and is home everyday.  

Well I want him to start putting her to bed sometimes.  To me, it's just plain ridiculous that he has no clue what to do for bedtime.  I'm looking for a part time job and if I can find one he will probably have to put her to bed sometimes.  

Last night was the first night I tried to...er..."incorporate" Daddy into the mix.  He read to her,  I sat there.  He gave her her sippy with milk.  Then tried putting her down.  She didn't want to go to sleep.  I was in the room the whole time thinking that would help.  I fought with her for an hour to get her to settle down.  I realize I'm totally upending her security with bedtime and everything but I need help!!!

Can anyone tell me a better way to get Daddy included?  I want to eventually be at the point where I won't even have to be in the room.  He just gets frustrated and storms out of the room(what he did tonight) when she wouldn't lay down.  (He has zero patience with ANYTHING)  I snuggled with her for a few minutes and layed her down and she went to sleep.  

I need help!  Anyone got any ideas to make this easier?  TIA!

(sorry it got so long!)

ReeseM

Sit him down and tell him to grow up and not stomp out of the room when his toddler doesn't so what he wants her to!

Seriously though, talk to him about it, and then have him do it, all by himself, for a few days. Maybe he can do a little something different that will make it special for her to have Daddy put her to bed sometimes. A new book, chocolate milk instead, or something. It will take a few days, but she will get used to it. Then you guys can take turns and it will be special for her, whoever puts her down.

I think you being in the room is not helpful. And tell DH you will not be "coming to his rescue" if she doesn't go down. 

A_seattle

I would say you need to NOT be there for a couple nights while DH puts her to bed...just like if a sitter did - then there can be no argument. Maybe even leave the house - go to the store or something for a few nights or drive around.

rjbear21

A_seattle:

I would say you need to NOT be there for a couple nights while DH puts her to bed...just like if a sitter did - then there can be no argument. Maybe even leave the house - go to the store or something for a few nights or drive around.

That's a good idea.  I told him that I bet it wouldn't be as bad if I wasn't even here.  If I'm not in the room, she still knows I'm in the house and she will have a fit.