Bedtime nightmare with 2.4 ds help

[duke]

Just had terrible going to bed session with my ds2.4. I told him if he was good and stayed in bed we could go to the farm tomorrow, he got up a few times to go to the loo. Fair enough. I said right no more trips to the loo now, in to bed. Then it started full blown screaming WEE WEE WEE WEE. Mean while ds2 7 mths, now awake, is stood in cot, screaming. A few more trips to the loo, the little pest is squeezing a dribble out to prove that he did need to go. I then say, right in to bed nicely or no farm tomorrow. There was more screaming, throwing himself on the floor shouting more wee wee. I stood by the door and kept putting him back to bed as calmly as i could not saying anything to him, 30 times later I gave in and took him to the loo again for the 10th time. Exhausted he gave up the fight and went to sleep. Now I'm mad because it's my birthday tomorrow and I want to meet my friend at the farm. I've told him if he was good he could go and he was the worst he's been all week. Am I mad to be expecting a 2.4 year old to understand what he does tonight will affect what happens tommorow. Should I back track and go to the farm anyway. Phew writing that has stopped me from hitting the gin!

Read with amusement . Tried to get DP to agree to buy a house with 3 bedrooms all for the same reason, ds 2.8 shares room with dd 1.2 He always wakes her with his trips to the loo. Drives me nuts.

duke my ds is the exact same age as yours. I am pretty sure he would have no comprehension that consequences can arise the following day. I really don't think he understands what tomorrow is, or was 'last night' was for that matter. My ds is generally great at going to bed but every so often he'll try a new stalling pattern. His latest is calling for his blanket to be put on - then off - then on - then off etc etc etc. I put a limit of complying 3 times then i just say very firmly "good night, i am going now". He might cry out a bit for only for a minute or two. I think if i let it get a grip then it would take longer. I do sypathise as it is easy for these habits to form but i think 2.4 is old enough for them to learn quickly when a new regime is being established. good luck

Duke happy birthday for tomorrow

Definitely won't be able to change his behaviour today to consequences tomorrow. No wonder he needed a wee - he was probably in a state of total excitement about going to the farm tomorrow! You made a mistake, but just spin him a line giving an excuse about why you will have to go to the farm - anything you like such as you've promised your friend and can't let her down.
Start a star chart for 'good' bedtime behaviour. Boys of that age are hopeless about knowing when they need a wee - he's probably a bit anxious about it and you won't do any good by making such a drama out of it. Is he still in nappies? If not - put one on at night again.

Just go to the farm, they have so little idea of time at that age. Might a potty next to the bed work if he doesn't want a nappy?

That's what I did in the end, potty by the bed. See how tonight goes. A star chart might be worth a go. thanks. Don't know if we are off to the farm today, i feel like poo after a bad night with ds2 and a terrible birthday present from DH, a frigging cooking with kids book!

Oh dear...does dh know?

well new day, dh got an earfull about present. Wasn't so much about the gift, more the lack of thought effort and homemade card from the boys.
Didn't go to the farm in the end due to weather. Last night ds1 was as good as gold going to bed and stayed in his bed all night, this is as rare as rocking horse poo, when he came in this morning I said "you were really good last night going to bed and you stayed in bed all night, good boy" He replied "Yes good boys go to farm today" Ruddy hell sommat sunk in, better get me wellies on!