Need to try and get ds sleeping a bit better. What's kindest way?

[christmasdinnyer]

Dh is totally fed up with ds being in our bed every night. Ds so used sleeping with the milk bar in front of him he only sleeps for about an hour in his own cot before he wakes and gets really upset. Can't bear to leave him cry. Any suggestions on how to get him sleeping by himself?

[ISawFrannyandZooeyKissingSanta]

Read the no-cry sleep solution by Elizabeth Pantley. Very gentle and child-centred.

[Twiglett]

crying does not necesarily mean upset .. for young children it is their only means of frustration and if you take it to mean 'how dare you not do exactly what I want you to do this minute' it might help

remember it is more important for your child to sleep well .. developmentally .. and you know best .. you are not being evil teaching him to sleep properly but exceptionally kind and parental

that said, depends on age of child

pick up put down (baby whisperer) seems pretty good

[christmasdinnyer]

ds is 15 months. I was so much stricter with dd but because ds has had some problems health-wise I find it really hard to let him cry at all. But I really must try and get him sleeping better - it's no good for any of us.

what's the pick up, put down in a nutshell? just as it sounds?

[christmasdinnyer]

so when do you leave the room then, Lockets?

yes, dh is REALLY fed up with the situation. and we're all knackered.

have tried letting dh calm him but he gets so upset (ds) that I crack immediately and rush to him...

what's happening tomorrow?

[Twiglett]

rather than picking him up you could just lay him down and pat him till he's calm .. if he's big

[Twiglett]

you leave the room when calm .. not asleep .. leave them for 5 or 10 minutes then go in and do it again

I've never done it .. I did cry it out with DS .. but I'm mean

[christmasdinnyer]

think will give it a try. the temptation to just bring him into warm bed is SO great though - he is such a lovely cuddle. but think dh will be seriously fed up if he isn't evicted from our bed soon, so will try and stick to it.

I am about tomorrow am - just have to get and take urine sample over to doctor's. Ds's, that is.

But am also around Wed pm, so up to you. xx