I am desparate

[MummyIsMagic79]

My almost 3 year old won't sleep. I am doing rapid return right now. I am standing at his doorway. He can't see me. He isn't even slightly tired. I am on a return every 90 seconds or so. Just back in bed, kiss, leave. He is happily chattering and laughing. Hasn't slept all day. Been active today. Woke at 7am. I am at breaking point. He shares a room with my 9 year old, so he is having to drop off In my bed now. Less than ideal for him. I am at the point of a real breakdown. Why isn't he tired? I can't cope. Husband is completely useless and is downstairs watching tv. That is a whole other issue. Just need to concentrate on how to get toddler to sleep now. Please. Please. Help me. On return number 14. It may as well be 9am, rather than 9pm. He's not tired at all.

[MummyIsMagic79]

The 9 year old dropping off in my bed. Less than ideal for the 9 year old. Didn't qualify that.

[Moohoomeltdown]

bumping for you, mine is younger so no advice just supporting hand to hold, he will sleep...

[Pipestheghost]

No kiss, put back to bed and leave. It's bloody hard, how is he generally? How much sleep does he get ( when he eventually sleeps)?

[Pipestheghost]

Also, it goes without saying your husband needs to do his share

[drspouse]

I do remember watching Supernanny or House of Tiny Tearaways and them having 20-30 returns the first night. Hope it works out for you.

Our DD is younger but we went through weeks of gradual retreat/stroking in cot so I kind of feel your pain. She's a great sleeper now though.

[Haggisfish]

Absolute last resort-2.5 ml piriton -a sleep inducing antihistamine. Stair gate across bedroom door.

[LBOCS2]

I know it sounds harsh, but stop rewarding him for being awake. Kiss, cuddle, smiles, chats - all rewards. When he gets up, lead him back to bed, say something ("sleeping time now" etc), tuck him in, leave. Repeat as and when he gets out of bed. He'll get bored. Eventually.

[Haggisfish]

If he's happy enough in the room a stair gate is def way forward.

[poocatcherchampion]

He knows you are by the door. Can you go downstairs and ignore for a. Bit them come and read the riot act?

[drspouse]

No riot act, that's attention/reward...

[MummyIsMagic79]

He finally went down after about twenty returns. So shattering. He will wake at 3-4am and demand to come into our bed. I've never had a non sleeper before the other children have always been easy to tuck in and slept all night. So very hard, isn't it?😕

[Haggisfish]

It is. Sympathies. Especially if you have a twunt of a dh who won't help.