M.B.
Hi P.,
Wow, potty trained at 22 months? I'm impressed!
Anyway, I had major problems with my daughter going to sleep on her own as well. She is now 27 months old and now takes naps and goes to bed without any problems. This is how I changed this habit.
First, you need to get on a strict bedtime/naptime schedule.
I always start by reminding her that it will be bedtime soon. I'll usually do this about 2 times and then the third time I say "ok, it's bedtime!" Then we go into her bathroom and brush teeth, then I let her walk herself into her room, give hugs and kisses and then I read her 3 short books.
The trick was to read the SAME 3 books to her. I did this for weeks! So, when I got to the last book, I would say, "after this book, you are going to sleep." If she cried, I would go in there for two seconds to tell her to go to sleep, and then leave. First at 5 minutes, then 10 and so on and so on. It will be tough, but you really have to be consistant and never give in.
After a week of this, my daughter knew what to expect and stopped crying after I left. Now, it's wonderful! I rotate books now, but always read the same last book for a week or so.
I believe a strict schedule worked perfectly for my toddler.
Now, if I can just get her to stay sleeping the whole night! But,that's another story!!
Good luck!