| • |
Remember:
over-tiredness can lead to neediness. |
| • |
If your toddler wants you to
lie with him until he is asleep, make a compromise
– tell him that you would like to lie with him,
but you can’t (think of a good reason), so you
will sit with him and hold his hand. If he makes a
big fuss, leave. You can offer to come back again
on your terms. |
| • |
You can “negotiate”
with a toddler who has a fair command of language,
by saying, “Would you like Mummy to sit with
you / sing a song / tell a story? OK, if you lie down
and close your eyes, I’ll do that.” If
he gets up or starts talking again, repeat what you
expect of him. If he doesn’t keep his side of
the bargain, leave for a minute or so, then come back
and repeat what you want him to do. |
| • |
If he keeps coming out of the
room, put up a safety gate. It’s less scary
for a toddler than a closed door. |
| • |
Alternatively (for a bigger
child) you can tell him the door will stay open as
long as he stays in bed. If he gets up, the door will
be closed. (Leave a night light on and leave his favourite
fluffy toy with him.) Open the door after one minute. |
| • |
Popping in and out works well
with toddlers. You can tell him that you have to go
and do something, but will be back in a minute. Tell
him to wait quietly until you come back. You can repeat
this trick a few times. Sometimes toddlers fall asleep
while waiting for you. |
