controlled crying

[mimi03]

ok im looking for reassurance please. ds is 13 mths. we have spent his entire first year moving around, from lincoln, to plymouth to southampton at regular intervals. we are now settled in our new house and i want to start controlled crying, i did use it before for a few weeks and it worked, but then we moved and it all went out the window.

how long is too long when hes hystericaly crying? i really need to get him settled as i start working nights again soon and he will spend 2 nights a week at his grandmas.

any tips and advice on controlled crying appriciated as i have tried it the last 2 nights and feel like im the worlds worst mother!

It isn't really a case of leaving them for a long time crying iyswim, it's more that you go in at regularly decreasing intervals, reassuring them that you are there, but it's time to sleep now, gentle shushing, etc, but without picking them up. I did it with my ds at around 12 weeks, which I know lots of people feel is way too young, but it worked after a couple of days of gentle persistance, and he has been a brilliant sleeper ever since. (and very, very calm, contented happy little chappy too, no signs of any kind of trauma! ). Hang in there and be strong. It will work. (smile). And I know what you mean about the crying making you feel like the worlds worst mother; i've just had to do a couple of sessions of the 'naughty spot' with my ds, 2.4, for slapping me when he doesn't get his own way, and it's a killer! I can sympathise!