Since the move the new routine has thrown things off kilter and he falls asleep on the drive home every day, which means that he's fallen asleep too early and then wakes when we get home and will NOT settle back to sleep at the right time - or at any time before 10pm.
We resorted to putting him in his cot and letting him cry tonight - which we've always said we won't do - we just couldn't think what else to do - he doesn't settle on or near us, he just bashes and scratches and slaps and wallops us.
He seems to think it's all very amusing but it isn't - and when I get up between 6am and 6.30am every day and literally do not stop until he falls asleep after 10 every day it's more than a little draining - particularly on top of the hideous cold we've all had too.
Tonight was the first night since the move that he fell asleep before 10, and he went off at 9 instead. It's an improvement I guess, but I would love for him to just go to bed like a human rather than turning into a screaching ball of fury and woe.
I want an evening, and I want time to wind down and to get things done in the evening, and I would like time with my husband, and I would like him to just go to bloody sleep!
I know a lot of parents don't go for the 'CIO' method, but it's always worked for us....all kids in bed and asleep by 8pm. Stick with it, and I promise it will get easier.....he will quickly realise that he has to go to sleep and it'll get earlier every night. You'll probably find eventually that he'll love his bed. Keep strong Lizi, it's not easy when you're all ill and sleep deprived as a result. x
ReplyDeleteEven when he's crying I know he's fine really - it's me who can't cope with it - his crying isn't distressed, or hurt, or even sad - he's just annoyed and wants to get his own way (and stay up all night partying)so he gets more and more annoyed and then REFUSES to settle!
DeleteHe has always falled asleep near us until now and he's suddenly realised that he can be in charge.
I know this will only take a few nights and he'll settle easily after his stories and cuddles - Jellybean settles wonderfully, but I remember not so long ago that he wouldn't and I was blogging about that too!