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How do you calm bedtime tantrums in 26 month old?

Jennifer - posted on 08/08/2011 ( 3 moms have responded )

2

7

When it's time for bed we go about our regular bedtime routine with out 26th month old daughter. (Bath, books, night time music) Then we ask for bed time hugs. She refuses the hugs and runs to bed to climb in. We give her a couple chances and then decide to just lean down and give her a kiss and leave then leave the room. She than jumps out of bed and pounds on the door screaming for her hugs. We try and let her be, but she screams until she pukes. Now we feel like we have to go in so we don't have to clean up puke, but then she is just getting her way. Hate ending the night on a bad note every night. Any ideas on how to get her to understand that bedtime is not a game?

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3 Comments

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Traci - posted on 09/14/2011

18

13

It sounds like once you get in the bedroom you are making a big deal about going to bed which is only working the child up and increasing separation anxiety (which is also increased by this age). Withholding hugs is the child's way of trying manipulate you and when it doesn't work she runs to the door to get you back. The kid want to be independent but also wants the comfort of you (which is normal for 2). I would keep your routine with bath and reading. Are you turning the music on then leaving? If not, then do the bath and book and then turn on the music as you leave. If you want to hug do it after the bath, not just before you leave. All this activity may be too much for the kid so try maybe not doing something. If she cries until she pukes, go in and clean her up and get her back to bed with as little stimulation as possible. You will both be miserable at first but she has to learn to put herself to sleep. Does she have a toy or something she might want to sleep with? You could try to find something that she can use as a substitute.

Good luck.

Brijitte - posted on 08/28/2011

27

19

I think it is very common for 26 month olds to get up in the middle of the night... I try to start reading books at 7:50 and read a lot of them most of the time she stays asleep after 4-5 books but she has been getting up here and there for water... maybe cut the nap out of her day and she will be more tired at night time.

Cathy - posted on 08/23/2011

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12

Wow.. I am totally experiencing this the past few nights... She used to go down for the night without any question and now it's a puke fest... I go in as soon as I hear the signs that it is coming. I know I am no help but I am also going through this aswell. :)

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