16 Month Refusing to Sleep....

Hi,
this recently happened to me when I went on a cruise and my hubbie stayed home with our 19 month old daughter. Here is what we did...when I came home we took the side off the crib. instant day bed and no more jumping out and risking injury. next we stuck to the normal nap / bedtime routine. EVERY time she jumped out or came to the door or OPENED the door (that was a new trick) I simply took her back to bed, tucked her in and walked out. NO TALKING. then I stood outside the door until she stopped coming out of bed. some naps/nights this would happen up to 45 minutes! but in 3 days she was sleeping again as though nothing had happened. of course during waking hours we would compliment on her NEW big girl bed...even though it was just a modified crib...hope this helps! email me if you have anymore questions!
T.

The more I read mamasource the more I realize that childhood is a stage. You're presenting what seems to be a pretty common problem.

Here's what I'd do if that was my Erin, and I have had to do this sort of thing, it works; Make sure she's well and comfortable, give her a kiss, tell her it's time for sleep, and leave. When she starts her drama, let her rip! She will eventually get tired or maybe even bored and go to bed. If she really loses it and falls asleep exhausted right behind the gate - oh well! You may have to put up with a few nights of this, or a week depending on how stubborn she is - join the club, but it's worth it when you let them know who's boss.

You will have to reinforce this lesson periodically throughout her childhood. They will try you at every age and every stage. Stay firm; it helps you stay calm and keep your temper, which is ESSENTIAL to making this work. If they know they've got to you, they'll never let up.

I would wish you good luck, but you'll make your own luck!

-S. K

P.S. Suz T hit the nail on the head.

hi jean,
these phases are SO tough and i don't envy you going through it! despite the agony and lack of sleep, i'd stick to your guns. certainly the first thing to do is rule out physical issues as stephanie recommends. if that's not the case, when she gets up and screams i would take her back to bed, gently and firmly, give her a kiss and go out again. and turn up the tv<G>. over. and over. and over. again. do not cuddle, lay down with her, play or lose your cool. it's a huge challenge, i know. but consistency and a loving routine will yield you a kid who genuinely understands the boundaries and everyone will benefit.
good luck.

You might check and make sure that nothing is causing her to wake up i.e. fluid in her ears or teething.

Your little girl is just angry. She'll be okay. If you feel fine letting her throw some tantrums, soon she'll stop. Stay strong and NEVER open the gate once bedtime has been announced and all bedtime routines have been gone through. Once you give her last hugs and kisses and put her down, don't respond to the screaming. It will pass.

I read somewhere that children are horrible around their half-birthdays (18 months for example) but lovely around their whole birthdays. I have found that to be true with my daughter - she was a nightmare in terms of sleep and behavior up until a month or so ago and she's 22 months. It helps me to know that. Mine too changed from a child who I could at least sleep with if all else failed to a child I have to leave screaming because if I stay she wants to play. It's very frustrating but I keep telling myself that it's better for her to have several good hours of sleep in her bed than for both of us to be a wreck in the morning. I hate leaving her when she's crying but I figure sometimes doing what's best for her and me is what being the adult/parent is all about. Good luck.