21 month old SCREAMING before bedtime for an hour

[Anonymous]

DS has started to be unbelievably difficult to put to sleep at night for the past few weeks, and we're really going nuts! We've always had a very nice bedtime routine--bath, book, then down, and it has not been too much of a problem. Lately, he says, "Mama, sit down," or , "Dada, big bear" (i.e. bring him his big bear) or other toys, books, commands, etc., and SCREAMS for long periods of time when we don't comply. We do not want to get sucked into making bedtime routine an hour. Have any of you experienced this? I'm wondering if it's because he's able to now request so much and his language is just exploding that he wants to use it! Any sympathizers? Suggestions? Please no responses about cry it out. We're big fans, and any criticism is not wanted.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

All I can tell you is that we are going through the same thing with our 22 month old DD. It is a nightmare. I am 8 months pregnant and do not have any interest in the drawn out bedtime either. I usually go in once or twice, tell her it's bedtime and that I won't be back in. Our problem is that she has also been congested so if she cries alot it usually results in vomiting....so I try to at least make sure she stays calm enough that that doesn't happen.

If you come up with any good ideas I'd love to hear them!! It is maddening.

[Anonymous]

We're going thru the same thing with our 22 month old daughter. She refuses to naps, ends up exhausted, and still doesn't want to sleep at night. I think it has to do a lot with her increased ability to communicate and just the fact that she would rather be awake. No solutions, but you aren't alone.

[Anonymous]

Try a slow transition into nap time. Playing quietly in their bedroom, then putting away the toys and turning off the lights, rocking in a chair or walking around with them in your arms. Have the music playing in the background (or white noise if you use either)....you might just need to give them time to settle down.

I'm sure you've heard it before, but if you're frustrated then they will realize that.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, all, for your responses, and glad to hear I'm not alone. I agree, that it's because of his increased communication/cog skills...suddenly, he wants to be a part of EVERYTHING! I'm 6 months pregnant, so I really, really hope this ends soon. AAAHHH!