Sleeping and Discipline

I guess I'm confused...you're upset that she sleeps 9-10 hours at night and you don't have any time alone...? That sounds pretty good to me. 9-10 hours in one shot is great! The nap could be longer, but kids will vary that as their activity and growth ebbs and flows.

The fits also sound normal. Don't reward bad behaviour. Children have to learn patience, they are naturally self-centered as babies, but learn as they grow to be aware of others...

Welcome to parenthood!

-M

Hi there,
It sounds like she needs to be sleep trained again. My 27 month old JUST started sleeping through the night. (8:30- 6:30) She used to wake up sometime in the middle of the night EVERY night and the only way I could get her back to sleep was to bring her in my bed. Otherwise, she would cry and wake up the whole house. Yes, I know I created this habit for her, but all of a sudden, for the last 2 weeks, she has started sleeping through the night. Oh JOY!!! It's been great.
So, as you can see, I have been in your situation, and can sympathize. There was a time when my daughter was giving me only 45 minute naps too(that lasted a few weeks, then went back to her normal 1.5-2 hours). I think your daughter is only going through a phase, and you just need to get on a strict schedule with her sleeping and get her trained again, everything will go back to normal. Other then that, it sounds like you are doing all the right disciplining actions. She's still young and at a perfect time to start disciplining. Unfortunately, you have to start young. Always follow through with your threats and never give in. That is how you build respect. Always talk to her and most of all, ALWAYS listen to her.
Good luck!

As early as 14 months children can start being demanding and changing their ways- we need to guide them back into the healthy habits they need to continue. Even though she is resisting her sleep it doesn't mean she doesn't need it as you know. You often need to re-train children in sleep and other things as well.

Check this out to see different things to think about- sleep environment... http://www.lullabyluna.com/2008/12/happy-new-year.html

Try putting her down at 7 and getting her up at 7 everyday- even if she isn't going to sleep- the consistency can re-train her. Do the same for her nap. Put her down at 1 and get her at 3:30/4 or whatever you deem appropriate.

A good line to use as you figure out the waters of discipline is "Try that again"- not only do you want her to know when a behavior is inappropriate by pre-deciding an appropriate consequence that you consistently stick to- you also want to have her learn what the appropriate behavior is... "Try it again" gives her the chance to practice.

Here is a blog that has a lot of good information on discipline and guiding your child- go back in the past entries and find her reviews on a whole bunch of books:

http://heartpondering.wordpress.com/

C., mother of 3, sleep consultant, sleep blog writer

hi H.,
She sounds very overtired! My son is the definition of "Terrible Twos" when he looses even the least bit of sleep. I had to sleep train him when he was a baby as well and he has been a great sleeper ever since.He always gets extra cranky when his teeth are coming in, maybe your baby is ready to get a tooth somewhere.I would try putting her down at about 5:30 or 6:00, if you can, to try to get back those lost hours of sleep. Sleep begets sleep!Once she is more rested she will go back to taking longer naps and sleeping longer at night as well.I always refer to a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child" By Dr. Wiesbluth.

Hope this helps=) A.

My daughter is 13 months old and we've just begun experiencing the fits and demanding attitude. I went to the library and checked out a bunch of books. So far I really like Parenting with Purpose. We are both in transition from baby to toddler, and I think we need to be one step ahead of the game by educating ourselves and reading.
Good Luck! (I know I need it!!!)