Problems W/ 2-Year-old's Bedtime Behavior

I just moved my 20 month old to a toddler bed. He was trying to climb out all the time so I was afraid he would fall out, and he just seemed ready to me. It has been less than a week and it seems to be going okay. Although it takes us about 40-60 minutes each night to go to sleep. I'm hoping that changes some.

Just an idea, but maybe the crib tent gives him the idea that it's time to play. It sounds kinda neat to me to have a tent over my bed :)

Good luck!

Some kids do better going to bed if they have an energetic activity just before. Since he has energy, try 'using it up' before you get to the bed. This can wear out your little one and then he is ready for bed. Perhaps something really fun and energetic would get out his wildness faster than him jumping around in his bed by himself. Then he would be exhausted.

You could also try playing music that he would listen to, or telling him a few stories with the lights out. Some kids will even listen to a story about being still and relaxing their toes, knees, etc. But if he has lots of energy, he may not be able to listen.

Also, a great sleep book is "Sleepless in America" by Kurcinka. Your library should have it. Try to relax and not resist his refusal to settle down. He may pick up on you letting go of wanting him to sleep and not feel like he needs to resist your influence.

If he's not overtired in the morning, if it's not bothering him -- then I could also see myself just going with it and saying that it's what he needs as his nightime ritual and just let it run its course. There are a lot of other things that I need to spend energy on to teach.

Consider dropping the nap.

Consider giving him a little active time before winding down...Check out Yoga Kids...they have a DVD that starts active and then helps to wind down...do it with him. He may go for it, he may not.

http://www.amazon.com/YogaKids-Vol-3-Silly-Calm/dp/B0001D...

The also have some designed for toddlers. Just type "Yoga Toddlers" in amazon and see what comes up.

I don't have much to say except that my son phases in and out of "troublesome" bedtime behavior all the time! Sometimes it takes him nearly 3 hours to fall asleep at night. He'll do that for a few weeks then just go to sleep like usual for a few months then bounce around a bunch again - like a said, he phases in and out of this "phase". We just ignore it and let it run it's course.

With regard to the big boy bed - ours is in one now and the only difference is if he leaves his room then we threaten (and sometimes do) to put a baby gate outside his door so he's "stuck" in his room. He actually hates the gate so much that he typically just runs back into his room and it's a non issue.

Good luck! I'm sure this will pass soon enough.

Best,
T.

You might want to consulate an occupational therapist about his sensory. I am going to be putting my son on a "sensory diet" as soon the occupational therapist prepares it for me ( I met with her last week to observe my son). My son too is very active, sometime he will just go and not stop until I actual stop him and then he realizes he is tired or thirsty etc. The therapist also told me that you wont want to go more than a full hour of heavy play at once or it is sensory overload for them. Just a thought because you had mentioned 3 hrs. a day at the park, I'm thinking you may want to change this up and see what happens.
You can get all the info you need to speak with an occupational therapist through the regional center, and it is free of cost to you. Just look up The Regional Center in your city. My email is ____@____.com if you have any questions. I know when I first heard about all this stuff they were talking about with the sensory and all that I had no idea what they were talking about, but the more I learn about it the more it all makes so much sense. I am able to help my son do what works best for him, because not all children are the same I think we all know that!

Hi J., First at 26 months I think he is to old for a crib. Mine were on their crib mattress on the floor at 18 months, then in a twin bed at two. The fact that he's not crying and screaming it's not really a rebellion at bed time. I would give him some time to wind down, maybe not a whole hour but 30 minutes or so. My boys used to play at bed time, but it wasn't for very long and they didn't disturb us. I don't think at this point you have to worry. J. L

What time is he napping? I consulted w/ a sleep expert and she told me that when toddlers go to one nap, never have them sleep past 3:00pm (or they will never get to bed). My 3 year old naps from 12:30/1:00 - 2:30/3:00) and goes to bed by 7:00. Now he naps about 80% of the time but if he doesn't nap, he goes to bed at 6:00. Make sure there is nothing stimulating before bed too. Our routine is dinner, bath, pj's, books and bed (all about an hour p/t bedtime) - no TV, no playing, etc..........it's dinner, etc, etc then bed...........no diverting! :) Good luck to you! If you want more info from the sleep expert I consulted with, go to www.3daysleepsolution.com She ROCKS! :)

Have you tried to leave the light on? My kids did the same when they were
little and i just enjoyed their commotion. Of course today i know better. They worked out their fear & insecurity. There is so much fearful stimuli
everywhere for a small child.
Here is the simplest solution. Its total magic. Just sit with your son for 5 minutes, holding him close to your heart. It is called heart to heart syncronisation. It is most powerful, will also assure a life long bonding.
while you hold him in your lap, close to your heart and his heart, you let
all your love flow from your heart, automatically his heart will suck up allthis love & assure him that he is wanted & needed. He will grow up to be, o so
strong & kind. You can sing him a song or let him sing a song to you,
while you are bonding heart to heart. To do this consciously, this heartbonding will make all the difference in your life from now on. Because
you can also do it with your partner, husband, pets etc.
The reason it is not well enough practised today, is, because the establish-
ment want to ; divide & conquer, as you know.

I don't know....it doesn't seem like you have a real problem. It may be that he's napping too long. But it seems he's happy enough and telling you he's ready for bed so I'd let it go at this point. Most parents struggle to get their kids to bed. I bet it won't last forever and you don't have to transition him to a toddler bed anytime soon. My kids turned 2 in April and are still very happy in their cribs. I plan on using crib tents too when they're needed for as long as possible. Enjoy that he's in bed, content, and you can do your own thing.