A Toddler That Doesn't Sleep

Sounds like my children, only mine did not act tired at 10 pm!!! My son stopped napping at 20 months. He didn't sleep through the night until i stopped trying to get him to take a nap. I just didn't see the point in spending 2 hours getting him down for a nap when he would only sleep 45 min. I will say that I believe most children need a nap, but both of my kids have always done fine on less (unfortunately). I was really worried for a long time about whether they were getting enough sleep or not (becasue Lord knows i was NOT). I finally just bit the bullet and accepted it. Since my daughter was born when my son was 25 months, i have not been able to nap with her and it has really taken a toll on my body and emotional wellness. I would reccommend at least telling your daughter to have "quiet time". If she falls asleep, great, if not, that's ok, too. At least you can have a little down time.
hope this helps.
liz

my son tried this for a week or so and i started getting his little butt out of bed at like 8 am and it took three days before he just couldn't stay awake no longer and he was out at like 7pm and slept till 8 am and now he goes to bed by his request (he grabs his teddy and blankie) and runs to his crib between 8 pm and 9pm. Once in a while he crashes early at like 6 pm or sometimes late at like 10 pm but that is rare.

I have had similar issues with my kids. Dr. Marc Weissbluth's book "Healthy Sleep Habits for a Healthy Child" was recommended to me and saved me! I loved the advice in the book for any age. Good luck!

I have a 28 month old with the identical problem. Occasionally I give in and have my husband drive him around until he passes out. The car is the only sure thing I have found that works. I would love to know if you find a solution.

Best of luck.

A. Fuller

My toddler went through the same thing. We just developed a bedtime routine. It doesn't work the 1st or 2nd time you try, but hopefully by the 3rd night, you will see some improvement. My little guy has a hard time winding down, so just sitting and watching one of his shows, while I scratch his back, rub his arm, etc. tends to help. Good luck! I know it isn't easy!

I am so sorry you are in this situation - it must be very hard.
A couple things to consider:
*is she having a lot of sugar after 5 pm or near dinner time?
*Has there been any major changes in your life or household (is she wanting attention because of the baby?)
*Finally - do you have a steady bedtime routine that is the same every night and around the same time (if not, I would highly recommend it - it was the only way to get my girl to finally go to bed when we asked.)

If all above is not the cause - What I would do if I had your issue is tell my toddler that she can stay up as long as she likes but once it is 8pm (or whatever time you need her to go to bed in an ideal world), she needs to be in her bed - she can have a couple books or dolls but that is it. I would leave a small light on and maybe a sippy cup with water and leave the room and dont come back until morning . (she may not like this for the first couple of nights - make sure the environment is safe for fits of fury! - Just do it the best you can with love and consistency so after a couple days she knows that is the expectation). Explain to her that in order to be a good mommy that you need sleep and that you dont mind if she stays up but she needs to be on her own. Also I would add that you wake her up at the same time you would want her normally to get up. A couple days of staying up late and waking up early should recitfy things - when she is tired enough she will sleep - you cant make her sleep unfortunately so it is something she just need to figure out on her own. Kiddos are a lot smarter than what we give them credit for -she is in the perfect time of her development to look out for numbe one - she wont make it harder on herself than she has to - especially if it isnt getting her any reaction of attention from you.
as for the nap - she may be wanting to give it up . . .as anything with our kids - I am sure this will pass and you will have another fun challenge in the next 6 months to deal with - best of luck to you and I hope if my advice doesnt work that someone else will have some experiences that works for your family! Sending sandman dust your way . . . may all your children sleep through the night - R.