3 year old suddenly not wanting to go to sleep and calling out

[ForTheLoveOfGrace]

Right I need tips. I know this is a normal development thing but it's been going on for over a month & bedtime is starting to really drag my husband & I down.

Our DD just suddenly started calling us back in at nighttime she used to be absolutely fine we never had a problem. Bath, story, bed, sleep. But now as soon as we leave it's constant calling out.

Yes she started pre school & that's bound to of effected her but this started just after Christmas before pre school began.

We've been through a lot recently MIL terminal illness dying early dec after being diagnosed only 6 months before with MND so she's bound to of picked up on things especially as my husband & I are so tired from all the hospital/hospice visits so it's not a surprise she needs some reassurance the trouble is we're on our knees by 7pm she's a lively spirited thing that needs constant entertainment & her calling us back in for sometimes over an hour is really started to take its toll.

I've tried being calm, not going in & letting her just call out, talking it through & asking why she's doing it, giving her a special toy, reward charts & now we're thinking of getting a star light or something.

Anyone else got experience of this & can give tips?

I expect it'll be a phase & stop eventually but I honestly think she needs reassurance not ignoring. She's not screaming just calling out & is as I say she's a persistent little thing. It's I want bunny, no I don't, I need water, I need a hug the usual stuff you hear toddlers do. Do you think it's just a normal phase or cis if the stresses recently?

Any advice or things we could try welcome!

I would keep doing what you're doing. Sometimes we tell dd we'll pop back in a bit to give her a kiss which seems to settle her (we do go back in). Whatever the reason I think you're right and she needs the reassurance from you.

Our dd takes three hours to settle on a bad night so I must confess I'm slightly jealous of your one hour and perhaps you don't want to listen to any advice from me!!

Thanks bun I know we are so lucky she used to just go out like a light & for her to suddenly not has thrown us. Although I know the max an hour I think a reminder/reality check has helped. 3 hours sounds ouchy!

Yes I have done the 'we'll be back to check on you later' thing but not for a while I will start doing it again. Thanks for replying x

Mine did this (and sometimes does still). We found he just needed some reassurance so now we tuck him in and say “i’m Just going to put some washing away/ get in my pjs/ go to the loo, and I’ll be right back” then check go back about 30 seconds later and kiss goodnight again. I then say “ i’m Just popping downstairs and I’ll be right back” leave it a couple of minutes then go back up and say good night again. Then I say “my dinner’s ready so I’ll come back up and check on you when I’m finished”. By the time I do he’s fast asleep. It’s a pain but it makes him feel less deserted and alone.

Thanks cola reassures me that I'm doing the right thing. I'll try it like this tonight.

Good luck grace!

Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t work straight away. It may take a few days. Let me know how you get on.

Totally randomly she didn't do it last night. Let's see what tonight brings.

They like to keep you on your toes.

Not sure how or why but 3 nights in a row now she's back to normal (for now) yesssssssssssss! Thanks for the support as always x