2.10 ds refusing to go to bed - help!!

[whereisthecorkscrew]

Hi, just on my second night of my ds refusing to go to bed, he's been an angel about going straight to sleep at seven for the past year but has just sudenly refused to settle, cryinh uncontrollably, getting out of bed as soon as I put him back, it was thirty times last night until my ex dh lay down beside him until he crashed out - two hours after we started. ds now sat beside me on the sofa as I just don't know how to get him to sleep.He doesn't seem scared of the dark, asks for a drink, and then refuses it if offered. I know I've given in too quickly but really can't see how putting him back to bed that many times is achieving anything. Help or advice very gratefully received!

Try the 'withdrawal' technique. (to get children to bed, honest!!) On the first couple of nights, stay next to him until he falls asleep. Then move away from the bed so that he can still see you. Gradually move further and further away every couple of nights. When you get outside the door, stay there until he falls asleep, Don't ever talk to him, and avoid eye contact. As long as he knows you're there, he should fall asleep. My DS1 was horrendous at this age, and this is the only technique that ever got him to stay in bed. He is now 6 and we have no problem getting him to bed. In fact, he often asks to go if we are running late! It may be hard work for a couple of weeks, but keep persevering.
Good luck!!

Thank you - I think that seems to be the only way it's going to work as futile to ignore what seems to be a natural stage for him - clingy and fearful and very stubborn! I'm keeping it all crossed for tonight (sleep wise obviously!)