My almost-2yr old won't go to sleep with daddy!?

Question

Its messing up her routine because on the days I am at home during her bedtime I get her to sleep between 7 and 8pm, but then because she won't sleep when I am not there (which is only really Monday nights) she'll wait up (even though my hubby says he tried to get her down) and so she goes to sleep about 9.30 to 10pm....and that makes her stay up late the next day etc too and then just as I start to get it straightened out its Monday again and back to square one!

Its same for her naps. She'll refuse them then crash when I get home (which is too early) and again, that makes her wake and stay up late!

How can my husband get her to sleep? He works nights so she's only used to me being there with her at night for her main sleep!

She wasn't ALWAYS like this, when I first went back to work she'd sleep with him....

Answer 1

I have the opposite problem.  My daughter will only go to sleep for her dad.  I have never worked, but have a soft spot for crying.  He can do it, and she never cries.  If I do it, she just knows it's not going to stick, and I am going to give.

I bet your daughter knows the same thing, daddy feels bad his only "alone" time with her, and she cries or doesn't want to do something.  He doesn't probably do it consciously but, I bet your daughter is one smart cookie and knows she can stick it out for mom and dad isn't going to push the issue.  

I am already dreading tonight.  I have to put her to bed and my 5 year old without my hubby's help (he is gone for the weekend).  

Her is to having smart daughters.  Maybe they can teach us some stuff.

L

Answer 2

it will take time

Answer 3

My son use to be the same way with me.... When my husband left for work my son would have a field day with me and would not go to sleep until 11:45pm when my husband got home. I work 3rd shift so my life was a living h**l and I would cry all day. Thats when I figured out that he was bored and I didn't make him tired enough to lay down with me. So when my husband came home he was ready to hit the bed, so now what I do is take him out during the day and bring him back home for a nap. I let him watch cartoons and he just falls right to sleep. Now when my husband gets home he is up and ready for action until he falls asleep again. lol.

Answer 4

My 15 month old does this with me. She loves you very very much! Sorry but the hubby is going to have it the hard way. He can tell her to go to sleep and the next time she wakes up, you'll be there....kind of like a bed time story. Good luck.

Answer 5

OH WHAT A SWEETIE . She waits for mommy. You know I have the same problem and its too exciting when daddy is around and toddlers LOVE routine . I can get my 15 month old in bed everynight at 8-830 but when dad comes home for the weekend he is up until 11pm sometimes which drives me crazy.

It wont keep her out of college so don't fret too much . Maybe use the same thing every night like a bath/book routine that your husband can pick up quickly and soon she might catch on that its time for bed.

I just think the little ones know something is up when you are not around  so they wait.

good luck