My Son Does Not Want to Sleep

A couple of ideas... If you don't have a bedtime routine, make one.. warm bath, laying in bed with a book or telling stories or something like that. You can find and order magnesium oil, which you can use on little kids to help them relax naturally, be sure to pay attention to dosing suggestions, I think it is pretty small, you rub it on their little body. Finally, sleep is very important, and often time little ones have temporary glitches in their sleep patterns, maybe because of growth spurts...maybe their dreams...who knows, but if he will sleep with you there, then either sleep on his bed with him so you can all sleep or let him come to your bed so you can all sleep. The earth won't stop spinning, you might have to deal with separating into other beds later, but that is not all bad especially if it means everyone sleeps now...once my firstborn had the second born old enough to sleep with her there weren't any more problems with the in and out of bed thing. Hope one of these ideas helps.

My main question is did anything happen over the weekend that might have scared him? I would definately look at the placement of his bed. Is it next to a window that is leaking air? Are there bushes next to the wall that are scraping the side of the house. I would lay in his room and see if you can hear anything that might be scarring him. This is a normal age for night terrors and he may just be afraid of going back to sleep. Try to get him to talk to you and find out what is bothering him. He is young but you should be able to get an idea. I have a friend who bought air freshner for "monster repellent". It worked like wonders. They kept it next to their childs bed to use when needed. Just some suggestions. Hope it gets better.

I have two main thoughts. If the change was that sudden and that violent, I think something is going on with him. Could be night terrors - he is right at that age, but it is hard to tell since his communication skills probably won't let you get at the root of things. My second thought is that right now you need to survive! Although I don't think conflict avoidance is good as a general rule (conflict resolution is much better), in this case I would try to change the situation for a few nights. Maybe you could sleep on the futon in his room so that when he wakes up you are right there to comfort him and hear what goes on before the screams actually start. Treat it and talk to him as if this is a temporary thing that mommy is going to help him through. Maybe the surprise of waking up and finding you right there with him will enough of a change to boost his sense of security so he doesn't go into all-out tantrum, which will maybe help you not to wake up so completely.

hey, you are so sleep deprived, it sounds awful, i know that feeling so well! crazy making, it is. you did mention that it started monday? so that is not that long ago... maybe he will grow out of it fast? in the meanwhile, i have two suggestions, and you probably won't like either on of them, but it might get you some sleep so you can have another look at the situation- first, there are those locks you can put on the kid's doors that make it lock from the inside, so he can't get out. don't put him back in the crib, that way he can't hurt himself, put him on the futon, and then you go to bed, take an ambien (seriously, or something, my ob gave me a couple during sleepless nights of pregnancy) and sleep, trust that he will be ok. i have never tried the locks, but i have friends who swear by them. my other idea is to bring him into bed with you. we have always done the family bed, and it works for us, i know a lot of people who don't want to get that habit started, but it does insure a good night's rest. and that is what you need, desperately!! good luck!

How about making a day of it...go to the store, pick out an inexpensive toddler bed (he'll be in it for only about a year and they are low to the floor with partial side rails usually), some of his favorite character sheets, and a night-light. You can always just use the futon, but let him pick out a new blanket or a night-light or something. You might want to try monitors and explain to him that you can hear him all night long so he does not have to scream or cry to get your attention. Show him how they work. My kids still use them and they are 3 and 4. Then start back up in your bedtime routine again, then take it one step at a time...For example: If he is getting up 4 times in the night, start by telling him that if he only gets up 3 times a night then he'll get a certain reward (like M&M's or a special treat or someting he likes). Once he gets the hang of that, bump it down to getting out of bed 2 times, then 1, then none. You can change up the rewards as needed too. Sticker charts are great too, b/c the children can see the progress they've made by how many stickers they have. The first time he does not get out of bed all night long; really play it up and take him to McDonald's or something. Once he sleeps thru the night so many nights in a row, then rewared him with a movie he's been wanting or soemething like that. Then just slowly phase out the rewards all together.

I would NOT suggest locking his door simply b/c it could cause your child's problems to worsen, plus, you are still really not tackling the problem. AND what if there is a fire and your child cannot get out? Just some things to think about.

It may also help to cut his naps back during the day and definitely no naps close to bedtime.

If you haven't already, you may just want to talk to him about your pregnancy and the baby. Assure him that nothing will change between you and him, that you'll love him and be there for him just as much as ever, and that he'll have a new friend to play with all the time.

Maybe he's ready for a big boy bed! If he's fallen out of the crib and hurt himself, he might be afraid of the crib and falling asleep. I have a friend whose son had a similar experience. They got no rest until they got him a real bed of his own. He would not sleep in a twin bed however. They think he was afraid of falling off of the sides. They bought him a double bed with his own "special" sheets and comforter, and he's been sleeping by himself with no problems ever since. My friend lays down with him while he falls asleep however. Maybe this will offer some relief and make him feel like a big kid, especially with a new baby on the way.
Good Luck!