bringing 2 years old to bed

Posted by rebelman (160 days ago)

Hi, is it normal to bring a 2 years old to bed, whilst having on the tv, whilst the lights are on, and making it ok to last this for 2.5 hours?

i am devastated..........i dont understand this at all.....

it takes my wife 2 to 2.5 hours to bring him to bed......!!!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by cara (159 days ago)

my 3 year old usually watches between 10-30 minutes of a dvd before bed. he's now 3 years old. he does this in our bed as we are trying to get his 1 year old sister to sleep.

i always warn him when his time is almost finished and he usually goes to his own bed awake and ok with the move to his bed. (there are occasional tears.)

generally, once he's in his own bed, that's where he stays.

however, it took us quite a while to get to this point. (he's been ok for about 9 months now). when he was 2, it was REAL struggle to get him to stay in his own bed.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (159 days ago)

Agreed with Cara (as usual). It is a struggle so make sure you set firm limits.

Our daughter seldom watches TV but that's a personal preference. If she does it's only one episode of Little Einsteins. In any case perhaps you need to change to reading a book since many TV programs can make your child a bit excited. We set the limit at three books in the evening (these are kid's books with 10-20 pages and mostly pictures). After that she pees and goes. There is frequent resistance but we are firm. She does understand that she is stalling but puts on a good act. ;)

As Cara also mentions you're not going to manage this the first time around. It takes literally months. Be consistent and firm, but of course not mean. No yelling and only the mildest of bullying. Make sure he/she understands the rules BEFORE you go to read/watch TV.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Wheelymate (159 days ago)

stalling tactics - very common during this stage at bedtime, my toddler (2 next month) does the same.
but i wouldn't tolerate 2.5 hours of this!

decide on a bedtime and 1 hour before, ensure he's started his bedtime routine - bath, milk, bedtime story...don't let him play with his toys anymore...perhaps a couple of toys to wind down in his room but not in the living area, he might get too excited. and if TV, nothing too exciting, we watch postman pat ABCs, which is quite chilled. and when he's in his bed or cot, a big kiss goodnight, be firm and walk out, no turning back!!!

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by turquoiseblue (159 days ago)

ahh i'm also having trouble with my 2yr9mth old!!! ever since he was born i've had to do certain sleep techniques every so often! they would work, but then the kid becomes testing again, and it all starts again...

anyway i'd suggest using one of supernanny's techniques - like the stay-in-bed technique or sleep separation technique. they worked for me last time.

check her website or buy her book...http://www.supernanny.co.uk/Advice/-/Health-and-Development/-/0-to-4-years/Sleep-Separation.aspx

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (159 days ago)

welcome to parenthood! once you think you've figured out your kids, they go and change/grow up/learn new tactics!!

we stick with "tigger & pooh"...he loves it and is quite upset if he can't watch it.

i read to mine throughout the day, he loves books. but my problem is that i work from home a lot and it's difficult to get much done throughout the day when both kids are underfoot. hence, once baby is asleep, i start work...daddy is not comfortable reading english stories and he doesn't like the chinese stories that we have, so..... tv it is.

(xpatguy...where do you live? i feel like i know you!)

(I am based in Hong Kong)