My 4 year old DS wakes at least 3 times a night. Friday was 13 times, last night was 4, tonight we are at 9 times. It's been like this for about a year and is getting worse. He used to have nights where he slept through and now that never happens.
I can't take it any more. Even on nights DH is here to deal with it also I still get woken up and then struggle to fall asleep again because I am just waiting for him to shout.
He goes to bed about 7:30-8:00 every night. He's scared of the bath and shower right now so our routine is quiet time - wash/brush teeth - 2 stories - in to bed with peaceful music. He refuses to sleep without music or an audiobook playing.
Some nights he goes to sleep straight away but most nights he gets out of bed and stands there shouting for me or dad. He will do that on average 4 times before he finally goes to sleep. It'll be because he needs different music putting on, he needs another wee, forgot to tell us something. Whatever excuse he can find, really.
When he wakes in the night sometimes it's because he needs a wee or help putting his blankets back on. Other times it's because he needs a hug or he has to tell us something (usually nonsense) or sometimes he just cries. He never asks to sleep in my bed or needs me to stay with him, I just have to constantly settle him. Worse than when he was a baby! He slept through from about 18 months - 3 years.
Every single morning, the moment he opens his eyes, he cries and whines. If we don't go to him immediately he starts screaming and banging. I think it's because he's so tired as no matter what he will wake at 7:30am.
He's slept in his own room since he was 2. I've tried to make it as cosy and pleasant as possible; comfy bed, dim lamp and fairy lights, nice bedding and blankets. Bedroom has never been used as punishment (as in it's not where he goes for a time out or whatever), I don't think he feels uncomfortable or unsafe in there. I've asked him why he shouts me so much and why he feels so upset but he doesn't know, or at least can't put those feelings in to words yet.
I'm exhausted and so fed up of it. DH is exhausted. He wakes up our older son all the time too so he is also miserable and tired.
Obviously I am a shit mum and doing something wrong. He has a poor diet, very limited in what he will eat (curry & rice, noodles and omelette, fish fingers and carrot waffles, yoghurt, bread), probably has a bit too much screen time on weekends when I'm working.
We are trying to improve his diet and use screens less but what else can I do?