My 2 1/2 Toddler Has Sleep Issues

You're not gonna win this one, unless you meet her halfway...Make it a bedtime routine--get a few sippie cups she'd like, have her pick one, have her help you fill it up with the drink you choose for her,(water's probably the best thing b/c it won't cause enamel damage on her teeth if she drinks it and it lays in her mouth...) and put it on her nightstand every night. maybe make a sticker chart to keep track of her progress.

I agree with the other posters about giving her a sippy cup when she goes to bed (or bring them into the room after she's asleep). With my oldest son, I had to give him two full sippy cups each night and he'd wake up totally pee-soaked in the morning, but that's a whole other post : )

I would like to say that I often see mama's say the same thing as you in terms of "big mistake" when allowing your child to co-sleep. I just do not understand that statement. Yes, in our culture, many people believe independence is created by forcing our children to self-soothe and self-comfort from the earliest of days (the phrase, "the cord has been cut" is somehow syonymous with force your newborn to fend for themselves). Honestly, I believe co-sleeping is the kindest, most rewarding gift you can give to any child!! Your daughter only ever knew the comfort of your womb - the transition down the birth canal did not prepare her for isolation and separation in a crib. There is good reason so many mama's keep their babies in bed with them - it's because it feels right, the baby responds by sleeping better and the mama gets more rest. I cannot understand how that is a mistake. At all. Ever. Be proud of having co-slept and shown her she was not alone in this big, cold, scary world! And if she still needs comfort in the middle of the night, give it to her. Your daughter is STILL a baby, she still needs you to help meet her needs. Being verbal or being able to clean up toys does not mean a toddler is equipped to handle their wide range of often overwhelming emotions and fears. So, long story short, if she needs a drink, give it to her. You help show her that you are still nearby and able to help her in any way possible.

Remember, this time in life will pass in the blink of an eye (as the mother of an 11 year old, I'm sure you already realize this!). She will not forever be crying out for you in the middle of the night. All you need to do is invest 18 years of your life (and I assume you intend to live well into your 70's, 80's or 90's), so this is just a small blip on the map of your life-span. Focus on the big picture and it will help you remember that before you know it, she'll be heading out for college and beyond.

I recommend the book, "The Sleepeasy Solution". They give practical advice and help you set up a sleep plan for children up to age 5. By the way - co-sleeping is not a "big mistake", you were just doing what worked for your family - don't be so hard on yourself :)

What about giving her a sippy cup with water to take to bed?

try putting a night light and sippy cup right next to her for easy access..it will pay..been there did that...

You just have to hang tough while she breaks the habit. Go to her and tell her nicely and firmly, "No water, time for sleep" give here a kiss and walk away. Buy some earplugs. If you're consistent, she'll realize she won't get it by crying. Usually it takes two or three nights to break a night habit if you don't give in, but she's a bit older and every child is different. Even if it takes a week-you need your sleep in the long run! Be strong. She can do it!

Hmmmm....have you tried just putting a half-full sippy cup near her bed so she can get to it herself at night? Just a thought. Sorry, I don't have any other ideas for you. Good luck!

I have a three year old boy who still wakes up for water once or twice a night. Plus I have a 7 year old daughter that wakes up from time to time to ask me to put ice back in her cup because it melted. Maddie has always gone to sleep with a sip cup beside her bed, it only has water in it with ice. Her teeth are fine and no cavities. Maybe you could let him go to his bedroom and you could let him take along his favorite cup with ice water then he could reach his drink when he wants it. At first she will still call for you, but hopefully it will become less and less! Good luck

Well, you said it yourself, BIG MISTAKE!!!
She isnt hungary- its behavior/control....
You have to be the pack leader- be consistant.. good luck

Both my boys have sippy cups in their beds. We started at about 8 months with both of them. Even at that age they learned to just drink some water and go back to sleep.

watch supernanny. she has the issue on her show a lot of the time. she also tells the parents how to resolve this type of issue and others like this. I was impressed when i have a chance to watch her show. she is one smart lady when it comes to these type of issues. i know it sounds corny but check it out.

There's no reason for her to need a drink or food, so I wouldn't give her a thing. Sometimes you have to go cold turkey and stay firm. If you give in, she knows this and will wait it out cuz you'll give in before her. You need to hold out. Go in and calm her but be firm. Have you tried soft music in her room, like nature sounds? That helped my trio. Or just "white noise" like a fan. I may take a week or so for her to adjust and you having less sleep but if you hold out, it'll be worth it.

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HarrisburgPAChat

My three year old still wants us on occassion, as well, he was just up last night wanting his motorcycle toy at 3 a.m. Usually, he doesn't actually want anything, he just wants us, but tells us something like that because I ask him what he needs. Maybe your daughter isn't thirsty, she just needs reassurance to get her back to sleep.

I have found that you have to be no nonsense and tough in your response -- I'm sorry that you want your toy, I'm not looking for it now because it is night, you have to go to sleep now and I am not coming back in, you can cry all you want but that is how it is. Don't yell, just say it in a matter of fact tone. He cried for a half hour, then went to sleep. The first time or so you try this, it might be much more prolonged, because they are testing you. You've already taught her that if she cries long enough, she will get what she wants, so it might be a little hard to undo that, but tell her it, stick to it, and when she sees you mean it, the behavior will, for the most part, end.

We also used the "after hours tickets" approach. We said that mommy and daddy are no longer allowed in his room unless he has one of those tickets. Then, they get reassurance that they will be able to call for you, and you will have to come since they have the ticket. Of course, the number of tickets are limited. I've stood outside his door and said, do you have a ticket? Etc. You would have to judge if she is able to understand that at this point, he understands tickets from going to Chuck E Cheese and stuff.

My favorite thing to say to my husband -- we are in a mini war for control, and who do we want to win, us or the kids? That helps get through the parts where you need to be a little tough.

Good luck!

Try this book. "Sleepless in America" by Mary Sheedy Kurckinca. Dont let anyone make you feel guilty about cosleeping with your child! Its a wonderful experience and many other women do it in other countries and have done for centuries. I've slept with all my children till I have felt they are ready (or I'm ready!) for them to sleep on their own. This has varied from 3 months old to nine months to two years old.
This book will teach you how to set up a sleep schedule that will elimanate night waking. She may just want you aswell so if it doenst go away by providing a drink this book will definitely help!
Good luck