Just wanted to share because feeing encouraged and in the hope it might encourage others.
Trying to get DS (2 1/2) to fall asleep in bed, not in his dad's arms. Tried PU/PD, putting down drowsy but not quite asleep, etc. Nothing working.
Last night the chair in his room broke. We knew it was about to, so had a spare one ready. We said the new chair was a 'story chair' not a chair for going to sleep in. He had stories from books sitting on his dad's lap in chair as usual. Then put into bed, lots of getting out, being put back, protesting etc. Eventually they negotiated that DP would tell him a (made up) story with the light off and DS in bed. DP did this, DS fell asleep just holding DP's hand! Admittedly he was absolutely exhausted by then, and had had Medised at bathtime due to horrible cold, but he's done it once, he might remember he can do it again.
Also, he woke in the night, as usual, and DP did the same thing, and it worked again, so he's done it twice now.
Still early days and progress feels very insecure still, but I'm so encouraged!
Especially as can see how can disengage more than this if we want to - e.g. record DP telling story and teach DS to press 'play' when he wakes in night; the 'disappearing chair' trick; if he doesn't have to physically sit on daddy's lap, maybe I or other people can do bedtime too.