Why does he suddenly hate bedtime?!

[Lemonfairydust]

So my ds is almost 3 yrs old and the past few nights has suddenly decided he hates going to bed. He has been a very good sleeper and from just before his second birthday he would sleep 12 hrs straight no problem. In fact usually he will often tell us when he is tired and ready for bed - normally he loves bedtime!

We have always had a good bedtime routine - TV off, something relaxing like books or quiet games until bedtime and taking his favourite toy to bed - this usually works no problem, however the past several evenings even the mention of the word 'Bed' has seen him have a complete meltdown which has lasted hours. Once we do manage to get him into bed he wakes several times and has a tantrum again - kicking, thrashing, screaming 'No' over and over, it's really upsetting and I have no idea why. The past few mornings I have resorted to getting up with him at 4/5am. He also has no problem sleeping on the sofa downstairs - which is where we currently are now :(

The only change that has happened recently is he has had a particularly nasty virus which has had him out of action for a fortnight - he still has a cough from it. I am at my wits end, 6 weeks pregnant, working part time and doing a college course part time and feel constantly exhausted. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[tinyturtletim]

It could be exhaustion carried over from the virus, I know when I've been poorly over tiredness was par for the course.

has he watched something on tv that has monsters in? Or been having night terrors?

[Lemonfairydust]

It could possibly be over tiredness, he still seems a bit irritable and not his cheery self. The only thing he watches on TV is Peppa Pig, so nothing scary that I can think of. It's like someone has flipped a switch and suddenly he won't even tolerate the mention of the word 'Bed'.

[tinyturtletim]

Whats he like with bribery?

New pjs / new bedding? When he was poorly was he sick in bed? There is probably something teeny tiny that has triggered his dislike.

Avoid the word bed if I were you

[tinyturtletim]

Has he got all his teeth?

[Lemonfairydust]

He was never sick, but he did have several coughing fits that made him wretch and wake up - possibly that has frightened him.

He doesn't really respond too well to bribery unfortunately, although willing to try anything at this point!

Yes, he has all his teeth.

[tinyturtletim]

If it were me I would use his ultimate favorite thing and use that as a way of getting him into be with no fuss,

so a reward chart, using magnets / stickers / marbles whatever you think he will love.

Make it really easy for him to 'win'

does he go to nursery or preschool? You can get his key worker in on it aswel, have them pick up on wow moments and reward at home. Then you can say something like. ..


'You need one more marble / sticker / magnet for your prize if you stay in bed and sleep tonight I will give you it'

Also, I would do all eventuality before getting to bed so drink, wee, hug, kiss, got all teddies / toys then there areno excuses left.

[tinyturtletim]

I keep remembering what I was going to say lol.

I know when dd has been poorly I have put her for a nap in the day so she can get caught up, she is 4 now but sometimes when she has been sick she really needs that extra bit even if it is on the sofa

[Lemonfairydust]

Thanks for all your help, will try all of your suggestions - hope it works!