How do I get my 2 year old to go to sleep at night?

Question

My 2 year old used to be so easy to get to bed. All you would have to do is tell him it was bedtime and off he would go. Read him a few books and he'd go off to sleep once you were through. Now, I can't get him to stay in bed. This includes naps too. The only time he naps is if we are in the truck running around doing errands, he usually dozes off. At home it's a different story. He runs around all day and doesn't even act tired. He gets upset when you try to put him down for a nap and it's pointless. The same goes for bedtime. Reading the books doesn't help anymore because after we read them, if I leave he gets upset and starts crying, which makes me feel awful because I think about how happy he was just a bit ago. If I sit in there with him, he won't go to sleep either, and if he does, it takes about 2 hours. What I am doing now is setting him up with a movie and letting him go to sleep on his own, but this isn't a very good method. He gets put in his room about 8pm and

he doesn't go to sleep til 11:30 pm. There is no problem sleeping through the night, just getting him to sleep. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

By the way, he is a VERY well behaved little boy, he doesn't get into trouble very often, so it breaks my heart when he cries when I leave him to let him sleep.

I don't think anyone is reading the question. He DOESN'T nap during the day, so that has nothing to do with it. The TV method was something I did AFTER the problem started, so it's not the problem. I started using the TV as a way to try to get him to go off to sleep, and I don't like using that method.

Answer 1

make sure you have a set routine every night. he'll get used to the idea that these things done in this order mean bedtime comes soon. let him sit in his bed with books or toys and a nightlight, but don't let him get out fo bed if you can help it. go in and hug him while he's still in the bed, but don't take him out. hopefully it's one of those phases and it will pass. the one thing above all is be consistent! leaving a movie on isn't the worst thing you could do as long as he sleeps through the night.

Answer 2

How to put your child to bed:
* In the run up to bed time keep things as calm as possible An over excited child can't just switch off and go to sleep any more then an adult can. Winding down is important.
* Give clear indication that bedtime is approaching about 10 minutes before you start a routine.
* Begin with a bath. warm water is a natural aid to relaxation. Give a warning before the bath begins and before it's about to finish.
* enlist the childs cooperation over simple tasks. It will help her feel involved.
* Praise the child when each stage is completed smoothly.
* read your child a bed time story.
* you may find that after the story he wants to talk for a little while. this is a good time for reassurance, praise and singling out good moments. eg " You were a very good boy at lunch today"
* A few comforters or soft toys can all help ease the seperation of bedtime but dont turn the cot into a playpen.
* as the time for lights out approaches, give a few minutes notice.
* Dont get into the habbit of waiting with your child untill she falls asleep. If she's tired and you have been through the routine step by step. She should be fairly drowsy by now and will drift off easily.
* Lights out! No child can learn how to get to sleep with the lights on.
* Dont be tempted to take shortcuts and rush the routine. If you leave out a stage, your child will notice and you'll lose his cooperation. That way it will probably end up taking longer.
* If you are taking turns with your partner to put your child to bed, Make sure you both follow the same rules and stages. Be consistant and present a united front.

Hope that has helped you.

Answer 3

Have you tried cutting out the nap entirely? Now that he is getting older he requires less sleep. Maybe he is getting too much sleep so he is not tired at night. Try getting him up earlier and skipping the nap. I suggest doing this on a weekend in case he is crabby during the day.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

You are going to have to be stern I am having the same problem my 15 month old wont sleep in her crib she will sleep if she gets in the bed with me but this is causing problems with my husband. So you have to put your foot down and it's going to be hard. When your done reading his story. kiss him good night and tell him you love him then walk out and turn the light off. He is going to scream and cry but he will be ok. I know i have a hard time doing i too but it's getting better she only crys half the time used to. and it's only ben three days since we started this. So good luck.

Answer 5

Your son needs a routine. I know its hard but everyday he needs to eat at the same time, play, and go to sleep and soon his body will get used to it. And around the same time everynight his body will know its time to sleep. It can also help if you give him a warm bath and buy some wash that is for night time. Good luck

Answer 6

Sounds like he is pushing your buttons, he is testing his limits...You might want to put him on a schedule...nap time is the same time everyday and bed time is the same time everyday and work your schedule around..I know I can't fall asleep with the TV on, that might be keeping him awake.

Answer 7

Lack of sleep is a common problem in
children .This can cause serious health
problems.If parents follow some simple
techniques for making their children sleep,
it can be avoided. I found useful informations
at http://nosleep.in/sleepchildren.html

Answer 8

try not to let him rest in the day time and give him food before he sleeps
stuff that he drinks or eats
and let him play so he uses up the calories and when he is done he wants to sleep coz his body needs rest