Hi
We're going through a difficult behavioural patch with DD1 atm, mainly due to jealousy of DD2 (6m) I think.
Am a total routine freak but now that's failing me and I'm questioning whether I'm being too hard on DD1. Bedtimes are starting to get out of control and they've never been an issue before.
(She is in her own bed btw and has been for 3 months)
WE're now resorting to a haphazard combination of rapid returns, ignoring, locking bedroom door shut (for max of 2mins, after 2 put backs and clear warnings). The locked door is final resort and usually works (makes her cry). All the usual stuff about minimal fuss, no conversation etc. Usually she will go to sleep after 2 put backs & door locked (for max 2 mins - it makes her cry but then she stays in bed)
Her behaviour has been really bad this last week (hitting, destructive) and now nothing we're doing works.
She also gets up at least twice a night (wanders into our room but goes back to sleep without a fuss) and now wakes very early 5:30/6am most days. Being up every 2hrs with baby I am struggling.
She used to go to bed easily at 7pm and sleep till 7am at least, was like this since 8 months and never had sleep problems at all. Night waking and bedtime problems have only begun since we introduced a bed (which we only did because she learnt to climb out of cot)
We have also dropped lunchtime sleep as she was fighting it intently and it affected how long it took to get her down at night.
Sorry, I know poeple must get sick of giving the same old advice to this age old problem, but am essentially looking for the definitive answer so we can be consistent at night time. Have no trouble being a disciplinarian (think I am too strict sometimes)
Thanks so much