OMG 2.5 DD now having meltdowns at bedtime, what did you do?

[grayal]

As I write this my 2.5yr old DD is having a total meltdown about bedtime. She is screaming as if being whipped saying "I don't want to go to bed" she has emptied all her drawers and is now trying to take her pyjamas off. She has thrown her favourite bedtime teddy away. I've gone back up three times to put her back to bed, but as soon as I go she screams bloody murder again. I am wondering what worked for others in this situation? It's been happening for two weeks now and the stress of it is killing me!

Hi, My ds went through something similar around that age so I remember how frustrating it is

If you are happy with your night time routine and bed time then continue as before but make sure you don't engage in her "drama"

(easier said than done)

I can't remember which book I read ...it might even have been an old episode of supernanny but I gave ds 15 min warning for getting pj on..then 10...5 then changed and lights out for cuddles and up to bed at 8pm with a last goodnight kiss (regardless of his behaviour).

When he shouted etc the first time, I ignored everything and picked him up and put him in bed and said goodnight..nothing else..no cuddle, no kiss.

Next time and every time after (first night took an hour) I didn't speak at all and put him straight to bed.

It took a few nights for him to realise I wasn't giving in and now he is back to normal.

He goes through stages of pushing his luck but I just stick to the plan and after 2 nights of getting up maybe twice he is ok.

I hope something helps

good luck

Hi,

I have just come across your recent post and thought our new channel 4 documentary may be of both great interest and help to you.

The programme aims to explore the wealth of advice given to parents whose children refuse to sleep through the night. It hopes to break down the misconceptions and give practical advice on how each of the methods can be applied by working with each family individually.

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If you think this may be of interest to you it would be great to hear from you so please contact Karen on Call 020 7067 4889 or email [email protected].

The following post on a media forum has more information:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/media_nonmember_requests/923567-Are-you-a-sleep-deprived -Parent-A-new-Channel-4

We have recieved permission from Mumsnet HQ to contact individuals about the show in hope we are able to help them.

Kind regards,

Catherine.

for me