How do I get my 2 1/2 year old to fall asleep without my help?

Question

HOW DO I GET MY DAUGHTER TO GO TO SLEEP WITHOUT MY HELP, AND AT THE SAME TIME EVERY NIGHT. IF SHE TAKES A NAP WERE LOOKING AT BETWEEN 12A.M AND 2A.M. IF SHE DON'T TAKE A NAP WERE LOOKING AT ABOUT 11PM AND 12A.M. SHE WILL NOT GO TO BED UNLESS I AM RIGHT THERE ACTING AND PRETENDING AS IF IM ABOUT TO GO TO SLEEP TOO, THEN I GET UP AND HAVE SOME "ME TIME" BELIEVE IT OR NOT ITS 12:42A.M. AND SHES LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER LIKE SHES MY HAIR OR SOMETHING.

Answer 1

I had that problem with my son at about 20 months. I was staying up till 3 am with him. We completely cut out naps and he started sleeping when we put him to bed, because he was so tired. Make sure she gets plenty of exercise during the day too. At this age they are afraid they will miss something, but I know its hard to deal with.

Answer 2

First of all , I am the pot calling the kettle black,because I know this works, I did it with my first but I have yet to inforce it on my youngest but here is what I did. To get her to bed earlier, don't deprive her of a nap if she wants it but do make it before 3 pm and get her out of bed in the am no later than 8am but before would even be better. She will need a nap and probably before 3 and she will be tired by 8 or 9 I am certain. Make sure she plays alot in the day, not watching tv. To get her to go by herself, put her in her crib, sit down beside it and wait through her cries until she goes to sleep. DO NOT talk to her during this time just sit so that she can see you. Eventually, she should get tired and go to sleep. Do this every nite and with each nite move closer to the door and farther away from her until you are outside the room. That doesn't mean you won't still have some issues but they should be easier to work through. Start a bedtime ritual like bath, brush teeth, story and bed. When she gets used to this it will be comforting because she knows exactly what to expect and is not left surprised and wondering what you are doing with her. As I am writing this it occured to me that she may be in a toddler bed now, if so, all you change is that you put her in bed and when she gets up, don't say anything just put right back into bed. No words, no giggles, just business of getting to bed. She may do this like 20 times the first night, but eventually it will get easier.oh, make sure she has water before bed, so that doesn't get to be an excuse.

Answer 3

I had that problem...but when i started waking my son up at 7:30 in the morning and only letting him take a hour nap he started dozing off around 9:30pm every night. Now the problem is I don't want to get up at 7:30 :(

Answer 4

Oh, I sympathize with you. This was me two years ago. It was frustrating and stressful huh?? It is going to take you a long time to change this. I hate to say it.

My daughter thought it was perfectly fine to go to bed at 2am too. We finally got a ritual down. Go potty, brush teeth, get a glass of water, read a book, say good night. But, I would leave the lite on and tell her to read her teddy bear a book. I'd tell her I was going to sit down stairs in the chair, and for her to call me when she was ready. It takes a while, but now it only takes her ten minutes. She's in bed by 9, up at 8:30-9am.

I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 5

Make sure to do a lot of activities that will tire her out. Take her to the park, let her play outside, things like that. Get her on a good schedule and stick with it. Try giving her a bath about 7 pm and putting her to bed. Good luck.

Answer 6

wake up early, play with him outside for a while, take her a bath, feed her, take her to bed and leave her alone....absolutley no noise...dont forget to tell her you love her! you can never say it enough!

Answer 7

you should train her... one is to go to bed early then play a song or sign a song to her...just never talk to her cause its the one thing that keeps her awake...