“Back in the big boy bed” x eleventy billion

[AnneTwackie]

His routine is the same, tried to sell him on the idea, bedroom is emptying of anything fun, all tucked in tired- how do I stop him running round enjoying himself? He’s not even coming to the door just having a lovely time!

How old is he?

2 years 2 months. He can climb so the cot had to go.

Try to say nothing, hardly even make eye contact, in, scoop up and dump back in bed. Or just say “it’s bed time now” in a dispassionate way. Make it so there’s zero benefit from getting out of bed - no attention positive or negative. Just keep doing it until they get bored, and do it instantly as soon as they put one foot out of bed. You might need to sit on the landing with wine and a good book.

Very very dull but works.

Aw it's just novelty value isn't it? I'd leave him to it and expect to scoop him up off the floor asleep for a few days. Running round a dark bedroom isn't going to stay fun for long.

My dd has just turned 2. She's in a bed as well because she can climb out of her cot. She goes to bed at 8.00pm. Sometimes she comes downstairs again for fun. We say the bare minimum. Give her minimal interaction. Just 'it's bed time'. That sort of thing and after a few minutes I or my partner carry her back to bed again. Sometimes the process repeats. When we carry her back it's just a little back rub and a 'night night- her name' then leave.
She hasn't yet been tempted to stay in her room and play- possibly because it's dark. Does your DS have black out blinds/curtains? They might help.

Yes it probably isn’t quite dark enough. He’s so determined, I’ve got RSI from jumping the safety gate. DH has come up a few times to ask if he should read him a story, get him a drink etc. Intelligent input darling

I won!

If he stays in his room and entertains himself- i’d just let him get on with it.

What if you just left him to it? Would he get back to bed on his own do you think? It can't be all that fun for long surely!!

We took the side off the cot last weekend for our 2yo. First night he fell asleep on the floor near the cot. He's since learnt its comfier in the cot! I'd not intervene.