*SNIFF* 2 1/2 year old won't sleep and I'm exhausted!!

Question

My son has decided that he doesn't want to sleep in his own room and that he should have sippy's of milk all night long! Last night between 9 and 11, he got up at least 15 times to come into our room. Then he was up another 2 or 3 times in the middle of the night asking for milk. I keep taking him back to his room and putting him in his bed and telling him its time to sleep, I also tell him no more milk, if he wants something to drink he can have water. It's an endless battle and this has gone on for months and I'm at my wit's end!! Not to mention that I am 4 months pregnant, nauseous, tired and hormonal already. This is making me really tired and crabby mommy and also making me dread having this 2nd baby for fear that I will be getting up with 2 children all night long and will never sleep again. HELP!!! What can I do??? Any kind advice from experienced moms (or dads) would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

stair gate across his door, so he can't come to you.

put the sippy of water where he can reach it, and that is it for the night.

get a bunny alarm clock. it's so easy, even the smallest of kids know when morning is.

when bunny sleeps, his ears drop and eyes shut.

when it's morning, he wakes by popping his ears up and opening his eyes.

if he stays in bed and quiet until bunny wakes, he gets a sticker and special play time in the park or other good treat.

also, consider blacking out his windows so the room is dark. my son gets woken up by early morning sunshine. (roll on winter!)

if he does yell for milk, go to just outside his room (out of sight) and tell him he's got water. there is nothing else til breakfast.  

Answer 2

My 3 year old daughter was doing this same thing...I ignored her...it took a few days to do but she got the message...Its what I call tough love but it had to be done...she sleeps all night now...good luck

Answer 3

My son has been getting up for juice all through the night maybe its dehydration of the kids lol I'm kidding have your partner take turns getting up with him

Answer 4

Tell him he needs to stay in his room all night and if he does he gets a sticker or a treat.  Star charts can sometimes be effective at this age.

Otherwise, lock him in (hook-eye latch).  He's old enough to sleep through the night without a cup.  He can have one sippy of water in his room for the night.  He doesn't need more and you need your rest.    

Answer 5

Don't turn to drugs darling...

....leave him there ignore him h**l get the message

Answer 6

After the first time taking him back to his bed don't talk to him at all.  Just turn hm around and walk him back to bed.  If he asks for something to drink tell him "No" then walk away.  You keep enabling his behavior instead of stopping it.

Answer 7

If you can stick it out for a while longer you need to start with the basic "it's bed time no more noise!" this is a firm bed time at the same time every night. As far as the sippy cup if he won't have water tell him he gets no cup and walk away. If he screams tell him you won't talk to him until he calms down and takes a breath. I have been doing this with my 3 yr old since he turned 1 so it may take some time but you could have it under control before the new baby comes. I use the take a breath with him whenever he gets upset and it works very well he usually stays calm even when hes very upset.