For over a week now my 2 1/2 year old daughter has been having issues with bedtime. We have a routine - bath, pjs, brush teeth, stories, then bed. She has been falling asleep on her own and sleeping through the night since she was 1 year old. Now, when its time for bed, she clings to us, when we put her in her bed, she fusses. We always speak a blessing over her and tuck her in, just a part of our routine. When we walk out of the room and close the door she starts screaming. Not crying. Screaming at the top of her lungs. If we do not shut the door, she will just get out of bed and come into the living room. I've tried putting her to bed earlier, later, doesn't seem to matter. Unless I let her stay up til midnight or later, then lay down with her, she will not fall asleep without screaming. Sometimes she will only scream for 5-15 minutes, then fall asleep. Other nights she will just keep screaming, and we will eventually get her up...once its gone on for 30 minutes or more I know she isn't going to go to sleep. She has also been waking up some nights around 3 or 4 in the morning and not wanting to go back to bed. She seems very restless, but not like she is any pain or ill. Any suggestions? She does not get caffeine or a lot of sugar. She has been having issues with bedtime off and on for a few months now.
What did she watch?? My son went thru a stage like this at about 2 yrs old. He didn't scream, but woke up 2-3 times each night. The only suggestion I have is to say your prayers and ask God to give your daugther "sweet dreams."
Do you ask her why she's screaming? What does she say?
How is she doing with naps? It could be time to shorten naps or cut them out entirely. We are going through something very similar with our 2.5 year old. We completely cut out naps on the weekends, and ask that they cut his daycare nap in half. It seems to be helping.
Has anything else changed? New home, school, sibling, etc.? Those kinds of things can throw toddlers out of whack.
We also don't allow any sugar at all after dinner time because it really seems to make a big difference in falling asleep. If he asks for a snack we give something like Cheerios or string cheese.
Would you try giving her a Gentle Sleep vitamin?
Around this age, children recognize the fear of being alone, in the dark or dim room, that noises are made and they don't know from where, that things and dreams scare them... some children are also more 'sensitive' of other things adults may not notice.
I chose to bedshare with my child(ren) because I felt this was the most secure, loving, comfortable way for all of us to have a good night's sleep. I don't have to worry about "was that ____ crying?" "Did I hear a window open/door knock/etc" and then wonder if my child is safe.
I'm thinking for her comfort, fear level and stress levels - maybe a bed on your floor would be in your CHILD'S best interest. Punishing her for being scared isn't going to help her at all.
