
Parenting Preschoolers (3-5) Support Group
This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of preschoolers (3 to 5 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development. Join to share your stories and get advice.
Love, April
I agree with Derricksmom, you MUST establish a set bedtime routine. You need to sit them and explain the new routine with them... and while your 20 month old might not understand everything you're talking about... he'll get the idea after a few nights (maybe a week) if you're really, really consistent and firm.
It's really hard to let your kids cry, I know, I've done it. But I promise you, as long as they are in a safe environment, they will not harm themselves just by crying... but hopefully, with a really consistent and firm routine there will be very little tears.
You might want to draw out the routine and cut and paste pictures on a chart so that your children know exactly what to expect with the new routine. Let them know that it's not okay for them to come and sleep with you during the night.... and when they do come in, you will need to walk them back to their beds and stay with them until they have calmed down (or fallen asleep). You may be a walking zombie for a few weeks but it will be worth it in the end.
I also recommend the book: The Sleep Easy Solution. It's an excellent sleep guide.
Good luck!
xo
DON'T GIVE UP! and when you put them to bed, don't have any more conversations with them OR debates. Sweetly say, "bedtime" and put them back in bed. If they are staying in bed, but crying, don't reasure them because it will only remind them that you are around but not there. Hang in there! YOU ARE MOTHER, YOU ARE STRONG.