2 year old that will not sleep in her own bed!!!

Amanda - posted on 09/21/2010

I have been there my child now is 8 and she is finally in her own bed. I just would tell her if you don't stay you wont go to the park tomorrow and she would stay all night and then we would go to the park. If she didn't stay we wouldn't go. I struggled with this since she was very little. And now it's great I don't get kicked or punched anymore

Tracey - posted on 09/15/2010

hi kelly we found our small boy was very like that unsettled and all over the place when he slept what we found was he was having nighmares from certin cartoons he was watchin like scooby doo and tom and jerry once we ciut those out it seemed to work he gets a better nights sleep and so do we.Also as regards consequences i never really took antthing off him our anything like that cause he used to be so upset as it i used to be like remember what were going to do tomorrow weather it was playschool our go to see his nanna i would like good boy now and off to sleep the sooner u go off we can get up and do the thing he wanted to. must off all its just trying to keep it together so late at night when ur wreaked urself. i hope all works out for u and ye start sleeping soon.

Sarah - posted on 09/14/2010

Kelly, to your question about consequences, my main advice is that you find something that discourages her from getting out of bed! Her bed has to be a more pleasant experience than yours! I suggest letting her pick out maybe three animals or special comfort objects for bed, but if she comes to your room, she loses them one by one. I am a firm believer in spanking, but I know not everyone is. Its quick and to the point, and I promise you she will learn very quickly one simple lesson: I don't want to do that again. I understand that you're natural impulse might be to comfort her, but at this point she has to learn to be ok in her room. Again, I hope you have success whatever you decide to do! Good luck!

Kelly - posted on 09/14/2010

Thank you all so much...I will try some of your ideas tonight....and tomorrow....and the next day til one day I can actually get some sleep

Aura - posted on 09/14/2010

Maybe she noticed that a change was taking place? Try talking to her about how she's feeling and why she won't stay in her bed. You'll be surprised at what she might say:)

Laura - posted on 09/14/2010

I havent experienced this myself but I have heard that putting a baby gate in their door way works (or 2 if she is a climber) or spreading a blanket on the floor beside your bed. If she wants to sleep near you fine but its not going to be as comfy as her own bed so maybe she will learn to stay there. I agree with the other posters too. Be firm and consistant whatever you decide to do

Jessica - posted on 09/14/2010

my daughter has just not long done the same thing except she would scream before she even went to bed and she has a twin sister so so hard any way my daughter kicks talks in her sleep and moves a lot so i just couldnt handle her in my bed so eventually would u beleive a book stoped her doing this i would read them a story at night then instead of putting the book away my daughter would snuggle it it didnt stop the screaming straight away i just had to close the door and leave her there till she went to sleep two hours later lol just go in every 5 then 10 then 15 mins dont talk to her but snuggle her back into bed give her a kiss walk out again do not pick her up i hope this helps but dont give up only takes a week

Kelly - posted on 09/14/2010

Thank you... That is very good advice. I keep her door open, her nightlight on, and yet she still comes in. When she comes into my room she isn't crying but when I lay her back in her bed she starts screaming. What kind of consequences are good for a 2 year old on this?

Sarah - posted on 09/14/2010

Hi Sleepless! You have to be a tough mom on this one. She knows she can get her way by screaming now, and that you'll give in every time she does. You have to be firm about her staying in bed. You can talk about it all day long. During the day, when you are in her room, point to her bed and talk about how its "HER's" and how its a special place for sleeping all her own. When it gets to be bed time...start talking about how she has to use her bed soon..and ONLY her bed. If you think she might be scared, try a new nightlight that she picks out...new toy to sleep with, etc, keep her door open. But if she gets up to go into your bed, be firm about taking her back. You must come up with consequences if she does it again. You and your husband have to keep your room (and bed!) sacred. Its good for her AND you! Hope this helps!