I have trouble getting my 2 year old to go to bed.?

Question

Each night it takes around 2 hours to get my boy to go to sleep I have tried getting grumpy it dosent work, Any Ideas

Answer 1

Getting grumpy doesn't help the situation at all, it makes it worse! You need to establish a routine. Also, make sure your two year old burns off his energy before bed time. Once it is time for bed, tuck him in, read him a book, and maybe even throw in a lullaby or two. If it helps, have him lay on his stomach and give him a very gentle back rub for five minutes, or have him lay on his back and give him a scalp massage. It is very relaxing for children and it helps comfort them. Sometimes the reason they don't like going to sleep is something as simple as nightmares or lack of scheduling. These things help with both. Also, lay down with him for a while. Even close your eyes for a little. It lets him know that you're going to sleep, not playing games with him.

Answer 2

Children desperately need a routine. Does he have a daily set routine with you, one that he can rely on and take comfort in? Does he snack or have any sugars an hour or so before dinnertime? If so, stop that. When he naps, is it for a half hour or longer? You may want to consider eliminating the nap or shortening it if it's longer than a half hour. Instead, take him out for fun at the kids park so he can run around and tire out. Have dinner at a set time like at 5 pm so his stomach isn't full when he goes to bed. Have him take a bath an hour or two before bedtime. No t.v. and no sugar. Start putting him to bed at a set hour every night (I would say 7 or 8 pm). You can do a routine where you read him a short story in a low calming voice, rubbing his back until he passes out. Or have a nightlight for him in case he gets anxious in total darkness. In the end, there are a ton of books out there and pediatricians who can help you figure out how to help calm your child and ease him into bedtime.

Answer 3

A few quick hints, hope it works:

1) Don't let him nap in the afternoon and go to bed early.
2) Make sure his day is full of activities-- enough to make him REALLY tired by bed time.
3) Make sure he eats enough before bed and his stomach is full.
4) Before bed time, don't let him involve in activities that are too exciting or stimulating.
5) Don't get grumpy-- that'll only aggrevate him, and might even wake him up more.

Answer 4

I have a solution that you will never forget. It has worked on all three of my children, and my grandchildren. At bedtime, you can read him a story or sing to him, then tell him that it is time to go to sleep, tuck him in, give him a kiss and say good night. Then you sit in his room with him. in a chair is okay but i prefer sitting or laying on the floor. Just sit there with your head down and totally ignore him. The most important thing is to avoid making eye contact or talking to him. totally ignore him. if he gets out of bed simply pick him up and put him back in bed. Don't look at him or talk to him. You may have to do this several times or just a few. It takes time and patience. He may even throw a fit and cry, but just keep ignoring him. The hardest part of this whole thing is listening to them cry cause you want to pick them up and cuddle with them,, but that is the worst thing you can do. He will soon fall asleep, do this each night, but with each night you will want to sit a little closer to the door, and eventually you will be out of his room and he will go right to sleep without a fuss. good luck and don't give up on this,, it really works.

Answer 5

Be matter of fact with him about bedtime. Tell him you're going to read him a book and then he needs to go to sleep. Don't make it about punishment or power though, or you'll have a difficult time. Make the reading something to look forward to (keep it relaxing and pleasant...calm...)...right when you're done, kiss him and say your g'nites in a sweet but quick way. (More than likely, at that age, it's power. But if he's scared, you should find ways to reassure him...nightlight, hall light on, "mommy will be right in the next room"...etc.) If he likes music, that may help him sleep.

Answer 6

Check out this site. It's got great suggestions and ideas!

http://toddlerstoday.com/resources/articles/sleepproblems.htm

Soon your child will be saying "Night night"

Answer 7

try to change his schedule right from the morning. Donot allow him to sleep after 3pm.This, you can try but the routine differs from child to child and his mood also

Answer 8

Don't let him take his nap too long, try bedtime story it may help