For the last 3 weeks, DS has been shouting out "MMUUMMMMY I want a hug" over & over at 2, 3 or 4 am. Occasionally he will also do it just as I've come downstairs after putting him to bed. He's 2years 7months old & never had sleep problems before. I've considered obvious stress factors that could have brought this behaviour on, namely baby brother now 5 months AND his father being abroad with work sometimes 2 weeks at a time. Up until tonight I'm responded by giving him the hug he's asking for over the side of his cot but not lifting him up. However last night (with DS2 now sleeping through 7pm to 6am), DS1 woke & hollered at 3am, 3.30, 4 and 4.30am. EEKK! Tonight I ignored the initial holler which started as soon as I was downstairs but after 20mins hubby went in rather brusquely & told him to be quiet & go to sleep. The hollering continued for another 40mins & DS2 was woken. At this point hubby went in again, picked him up & brought him to me for THAT hug!
What would you do in the wee hours of the morning to the request for a hug rings out again? I've tried to cajole him out of the habit by saying what a clever boy he would be if he put himself back to sleep without shouting out for mummy but with no luck. He speaks very well for his age although I sometimes question his comprehension of things.
HELP!