Toddler sleep problems since divorce

JenniferTX

Please just reassure me this will pass! Our daughter has always hated to sleep in our bed. However, ever since her dad and I separated every single night she comes running into my room (or dads at his house) and she is dragging her bunny and her blanket and her sippy cup. She will not let me lay her back down in her bed even if I rock her and sing to her. Therefore I've let her sleep with me. The worst part is she wakes up at least 4 times and is kicking and crying and yelling no and trying to hit and scratch me. If I talk to her or try and touch her to comfort her it makes it worse and she gets more hysterical. If I ignore it sometimes she goes back to sleep but sometimes she kicks and slides around the bed enough she will throw herself on the floor. I'm so exhausted by this whole struggle with her. I'm sure it's part of the transition but have any of you experienced anything like this? How long did it last? Should I insist on her going back to her room even if it takes a couple of hours? My little baby, I just want her to be okay!

achase123

How much time is she spending at dad's house?

I would think it will settle down eventually.  I remember a friend of mine who had a 10 month old at the time of separation going through something similar.  I would just comfort her but then take her back into her own room and gently remind her that's where she sleeps.  Maybe talk to the pedi about it?

JCGreene85

I am sorry you're going through this. Is she awake when she has her tantrums or do you think she is having a little nightmare. DS used to wake up screaming for no reason and i would have to wake him up to get him to stop. I would do what achase said and take her back to her "big girl room".

JenniferTX

Yes, I think she is awake.  I did some reading on night terrors but I don't think that's what it is.  It's really just like a huge temper tantrum in the middle of the night.  It's just really hard because it seems like just when she's starting to get adjusted and has a decent night it's time to switch houses again and go to dads.  She stays with him every other weekend and every Thursday night.