Resistant 2yo!!!
MomAMY47
member
Ok, I need some new tips and tricks! My 27mo DS is resisting going down for a nap and bed. He is in a toddler bed in his own room. We have always done the no-cry method and it worked well until recently. Now, he's putting up a BIG fight EVERY time! He knows the routine and starts crying as soon as I start "quiet time". Sooo... I tried the door-shutting method a few times (he didn't care whether the door was open or closed) and even tried the cry-it-out method (once and will NOT do it again!). I have resorted back to the no-cry method but everyday it takes an hour or longer for him to fall asleep. He cries or just wiggles around, looks at me, acts goofy, etc. Same happens if I try to nap with him. I've tried no naps too as it seems he has so much energy at nap and bedtime but he gets very cranky around 5:00 and sometimes falls asleep on his own. Of course that doesn't help bedtime. I would love to hear about your sleepy-time "methods" and any new ideas you might have! Thanks!!!
Re: Resistant 2yo!!!
People are far too easy on little kids because they feel like it will scar them for life if they are stern or let them cry. Kids thrive on routine and structure. While the no-cry method might work for some babies (and toddlers) it will get harder and harder the older they get. Obviously, right?
Sorry, you asked about routine. I have a 3.5 year old son who has been in a twin bed since he was a little over 2. When it's getting close to bedtime we give him a bunch of warnings so he's prepared. Now that he's older, we do a minute countdown. We go upstairs, put on jammies, brush teeth then read a book on his bed. Then I lay with him and talk for a bit. Even if he's not totally tired, he lays down anyways and I leave the room. Sometimes he will mess around in bed for up to an hour but he stays in his bed.
I have always believed that consistency is key with kids. You have to be consistent and you absolutely have to follow through with whatever you say or kids will see that as their opportunity to act out. I'm not sure if my routine will help you at all but I will say that age 3 is far worse than 2 so I would try to be a little tougher on him now or this will just get worse.
My post might sound like I'm some mean mom but I'm actually quite the softie. Despite that, I know that I have to be tough sometimes if I want my kids to behave. They are pretty damn good kids too.
I hear them get up and get different books to "read" on their own, but they don't usually come out at all.
As far as bed time, maybe he is going to bed too early? I have a two year old. I have actually had to push her bedtime back so she goes to bed between 9-9:30.
Keep trying. Stay consistent and he will get it. Good luck to you!