bedtime

[Boblina]

Hi DS has just started not wanting to go to sleep. Let me explain. DS2 is nearly 4 weeks ond so this is a new situation for DS1. For the last couple of nights (probably 4-5) DS1 has been ill so awake a lot of the night (DS2 crying has not helped). We have allowed him into our bed for a couple of hours (early hours of the morning). Since yesterday he has refused to go to sleep in the afternoon and tonight DH and I have been battling with him to go to bed. He has never been a problem before - a story, a few nursery rhymes and then night night. But today he is playing up. He usually plays up a little for his afternoon sleep but he has always been fantastic at night. We have not changed the routine. I assume that it's all to do with his little brother but then again I would have thoughts that it would have started as soon as his brother arrived home. How should I handle this. Anyone else had this problem. Thanks x

Anyone got any advice, thoughts. ideas, words of wisdom. It took me nearly 2 hours to get DS1 to sleep in the end last night and tonight is heading the same way. Although tonight DS2 is also crying and not helping. DS1 now seems it as fun. Jumps, laughs, etc himself back to be. Thanks

Hmm, i've known of older children to get very put out by the new baby sleeping in with parents and feeling a bit put out that they have to sleep in their room all by themselves.

How old is DS1?

He is 2 1/2 years old. He is generally good. Yes he does have his moments but then so do all children. I suppose this is one thing I have not been expecting and I am totally not prepared for. Night time has always been fantastic. My DH works late a lot of the time so it's just me which I suppose makes it more difficult.

you've not changed his routine, but you have completely changed the family dynamics for him. sounds like a bit of settling in. i'd go for lots of reassurance during the day. maybe trying to do his story and bedtime routine without the new baby around. so he's less aware of getting less time with you.

i'm sure it won't go on forever if he's normally good at bedtime.

er, and don't get cross with him, he'll blame the baby. ie. you didn't used to get cross with him before the new baby.

Thanks for the mince pie. Love them and it's just the season. How did you do that by the way. Thanks it makes sense. Shall give it a go. I do try and do nice things with him during the day but I suppose It is not the same especially as I am still recovering. Long story but there you go.

Don't really have any ideas except agreeing with trying to keep baby out of the way for his bedtime, so he gets special time with you. But I did just want to say that it wouldn't necessarily have started as soon as the baby arrived. There comes a point when the older one realises that the baby is here to stay IYSWIM and that it is all changed forever.

it's still very early days isn't it. there's 2 years 9 months between my two. and annoyingly my oldest stopped afternoon naps about then. i think he felt he would be missing out. he was very jealous though and even now hates the thought of his brother getting any extra time alone with us.

Yes I see what you say. I am going to try my best to spend me and DS1 time. Just the two of us. Although I think that he is ok with DS2 being here ie wants DS2 to come downstairs with us to have breakfast I know that he is also a little not sure as today was the first time for example that he was happy to have DS2 near him and hold him. We got our first family picture and I am so happy.

yay! DS1 was about to start biting DS2 around 4 weeks in. I think you are doing fine.

Not sure why i'm giving advice anyway. DS2 was up until 10pm last night.

Thanks. Lets see how tonight goes. DS1 finally went to sleep just after 9 last night. Fingers crossed for the noth of us. DS2 is 4 weeks today, cannot believe how fast it all goes.

This is not fun. DS1 has only just gone to sleep. When will this end? I love him to bits but with DS1 not going to bed when he should and DS2 wanting attending around the same time it is a little bit hard. Gosh hopefully DS1 will feel more settled soon and well go to bed reasonably well again.

more mince pies?