Replies to 'Sleep Issues'

My 2 year old was also getting out of bed several times (at nap time and night time).She had so many excuses it was rediculous. I was even to the point where I was ready to put her in the car , go for a ride until she fell asleep then take her in a put her in bed. I had second thoughts when gas prices went through the roof. A friend ask me if I had a bed time routine. I did have wind down time. Where for 1/2 an hour we would sit and watch a short winnie the pooh movie together. But, that didn't seem to be enough. My friend suggested a lullaby tape or cd to play for her. There are no words just soft music. It took a few nights of reminding her to go back to bed or tucking her in again to help her adjust to a new routine. i still have the wind down time before bed so that her mind and body are willing to accept it is time for bed.  I am relieved to say it works. The cd is about an hour long. I let the whole thing play even if she has fallen asleep. This helps herto have time to fall into a deeper sleep peacefully since she also suffered from night terrors and night mares. Good Luck hope this works for you.   

My daughter is 3 1/2 and we have gone though this.  My daughter has all the excuses in the book, "I am hungry", "I need to go potty", "I need this or that" so first off we made a routine of making sure she got everything she needed before bed.  Then, we found her currency: a special teddy bear. And she is told, "If you get out of bed, special teddy sleeps with Mommy."  And we follow through.  Never make a statement you won't back up. 

Also, my husband is a 7 on 7 off shift worker.  So there were some tough transition times.  The biggest thing is getting her back into bed EVERY time.  If you give in just once you are doomed.  The first time she gets out, she get a hug and kiss and tucked back in.  But if she does it a second time or more, there is no talking at all, she gets put back to bed with nothing. 

Really the most important thing is to do the EXACT same thing every time, so your child knows exactly what will happen if she gets out of bed. 

Good luck.