Toddler sleeping problems

[mumsareok]

I have a 2 and a half year old DD who is seriously driving me up the wall. She wakes up around 5am every morning and by about 10am is ferral. I know she's desperately tired but will not go to sleep by herself. This is difficult because I also have a 7mth old DS! At night my DH has sat in DD room until she falls asleep. A terrible habit which has caused endless arguements. I've tried the supernanny technique of having a routine, and each night moving closer to the door but none of this works. I've tried shutting her in her room as she can't reach the door to get out but I just feel dreadful hearing her sobbing let me out mummy. I feel like I'm torturing her and she's going to be completely damaged for life by me. Ahhhhhh what can I do?:confused:

[Femme-Fetale]

Oh gosh, i fear i could be headed down this road soon. DS used to go to bed and sleep through every night... but lately things have changed. I have just made a thread in this same section if you care to read my battle.

Have u tried putting on a screen door or something, so she can still see out but cant get out? This is something i am considering should my DS decide to walk the same path.

Maybe now is the time for 'tuff love" ??? Do you use controlled crying? Can u implement that strategy again? Im a bit lost for ideas as im not quiet there and facing my own struggles but hunny, :hugs: for you, they can be sooo trying cant they!

[mumsareok]

You bet they can. My DD was fine with sleeping until our DS came along. At first we thought it was just a little jealousy phase and she'd soon outgrow it but its just getting worse. I think my husband and I are our worst enemies because we end up giving in. I'm probably tougher than him which probably makes me look like "bad mommmy". The screen is a good idea. She is in daycare today and I'm absolutely loving the quiet - so is DS!

[Foxy]

Just wondering if your DD is still in a cot, maybe you could try a big bed? If she is already in a bed, I would do modified CC because I think at 2.5 they just play you, but that's just me. Good luck! :)

[meinfrau14]

hi mumsareok,
I felt so relieved to see your post.....I have just recvered from a bout of crying....my toddler boy is making me crazy.He is 22 months old and hasnt slept a full night till today ! He sleeps in his own cot but keeps waking every two hours ! I am so tired physically and mentaly ! The day cares too are full...no no relief there ! We are new in Aus, so no close friends to help us ! DH works full time and is dead tired by the end of the day. I too am at my wits end. DS is teething too....another cause for his tantrums !!! I am looking for any kind of child/ day care just so that i can get myself together ! Some days are really bad , feels as if my sanity hangs by a thread !! Just wondering how long will this sleep thing goes on ?

[mumsareok]

Hi meinfrau14,
Sorry I haven't been on the computer for a while so only just read your message. Oh I totally hear where your coming from and believe me the daycare is a godsend. I have both kids in daycare together on a Friday and its just so nice to be able to do things like housework, grocerys etc. in peace. You mentioned you are new to Aus, where are you from? We are in Brisbane if that helps? Try putting your name down at a few daycare centres at once and pick the first one that comes up. Its difficult when you don't have any family around to support you. I don't think the guys realise how stressed us Mums can get. Good luck with everything!

[An2net]

I totally feel for all you (tired) mummies! My 18 mth old is still waking 2 times a night and DH and I are always arguing about how to solve the problem. I too am 'tougher' and am able to let him cry it out till he falls asleep, however, DH is the softy and just has to go in and rock him back to sleep - so obviously, this is what bubs wants when he wakes during the night! GRRR. Sometimes I think things would be so much easier if men weren't around! I have no solution (otherwise I'd be doing it myself!!) but just wanted you to know you're not the only one.

[brandnewmum2b]

Wilkommen Mein Frau! To other member I would recommend Family Day Care to you first of all. The Carers are carefully monitored, they can only have 4 children under school age, its a lot cheaper than child care centres and flexible with times, mostly you pay for the times you use. Before my DD was born, I was a Co-ordinator for a FDC scheme and experienced quality child care. It is especially nice because it a small group , CC can have 16 children in the 2-3 age group with 2 teachers, this is not a lot of attention. Trust me I was a CC Group leader also! Call the child care hotline 1800 670 305 to see where the closest scheme is to you, they can also give you advice about other child care centres etc.
I was also thinking this sleeping problem may be caused by your move to Australia, your DS is experiencing a lot of new things and is maybe a bit unsettled. Lets face it, its hard enough as an adult to make such a big move, and we know what's going on!
I would concentrate on trying to get CC, then you can get some rest. When you call the FDC scheme please tell them you need the care because you are not coping very well with little sleep etc. This should help with placing your son, when I worked in the field and received these calls a priority was given to give mums a break! I live in an area at the moment that is very rural, no FDC or CC, but we do have a mums group and playgroup! Also try local playgroups, it will get you out of the house, keep your DS busy and you can meet other mums and get a network going! Here is the website www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/qld/go/find-a-playgroup
You are not alone, just reach out and help is there! I dont mean to sermonise you, I just felt a deep need to give you some info! "This too will pass" is often said to me, my DD is also not a great sleeper, sometimes 4-5 times a night, wont go back to sleep etc She is 13 months and some people say, "hasnt she outgrown that yet?", I want to scream!!!
I wish you sleep!

[vanillabean]

Just wanted to tell you it does get better. My DD, 2 yesterday! had not slept through for about the last 12 months, then we had issues at bedtime and she now won't have a day sleep, so I have given up on that and she has been sleeping all night. I also started letting her cry a bit more at night before I went to her (I can always tell when she is out of her bed or is still half asleep) and putting her drink bottle with her water in it right near the bed so she could get it herself. It does get better, just hang in there.