Parenting Toddlers Support Group

My son will be 3 on the 19th. He has a cool cars bed that we got him for christmas which he LOVES, but we have been having problems with him not staying in his own bed.. I do know that i gave in quite a bit once i started working again since i just was so tired and didn't wantto even deal with it, but i got over that phase and have been back on schedule and i feel like a horrible mommy when he just cries himself to sleep or completely opposite ends up staying up for a few hours in his room playing a tearing up his room.. what do i do?? my husband never helps at night so it's just all on me which is so frustrating. I have gotten to the point where i keep his light on slightly to keep him from being scared and i sing and read to him every night before he goes to bed. He goes to bed at 9pm when i go to bed also.

Why doesn't your husband help with bedtime??? I totally feel your frustration, it takes so much time and effort to get a schedule that finally works. All I know is consistency does work but its really hard if you are doing it by yourself. Sounds like you know what you are doing but you need some support. Everyone is tired at bedtime!

I cannot recommend The Sleep Lady's book more! This saved our sanity many times because we, too, have a non-sleeper who wants to be with us. Do a Google search for it or look for it in a bookstore--she has several different methods for different ages. We ended up doing a graduated cry it out method (you can Google that, too, or I can further elaborate if you want) that worked within three nights. Other than that, following a firm routine (bath, book, 10 minutes in bed with the light on, then light off but a nightlight on) and sticking to it over time will show him that this is the way it's supposed to go. I promise...takes MUCH patience but can work.

Sherry