The Bean has suddenly started having massive temper tantrums before every nap and at bedtime. We’ve always struggled a little with nap consistency, and she’s always woken up way too early in the morning. But this crazed someone-is-poking-my-eyes-out-with-needles screaming is new.
I looked it up online (of course) and it turns out this is pretty normal for 2-year-olds. I got some tips from other moms on various websites and blogs, and now I’m on a mission.
This is where I will attempt to log my training efforts.
Training Log
August 11, 2011
Nap-time this morning was easier, although she still cried…a lot. She was so obviously tired, I had to put her down. We read a story and had a snuggle on the couch. But as soon as I brought her close to her crib and told her it was nap time, the wailing began. I tucked her in, told her I loved her, walked out and closed the door. I had a lot to do, so I got busy with it. A good friend came over to help me pack about 10 minutes into the crying, and it helped to have her around so I’d have something else to focus on.
Total time to settle down for nap: approx. 40 minutes
Number of room visits: 0
Tears shed by Mommy: none 🙂
Having a Happy Bean after the nap: PRICELESS!
August 6, 2011
Back on the sleep-train and it was pretty tough again the first day. I didn’t go in every 15 minutes this time, I just let her cry, because nothing was consoling her anyway. You can read about it here.
Total time to settle down for nap: 78 minutes
Number of room visits: 1
Tears shed by Mommy: quite a few.
Encouragement from friends on Facebook: PRICELESS!
Day 1 – May 16, 2011
The Bean fell asleep in the car today on the way to PT from dropping Daddy off at work. And then she fell asleep in the car again for about 5 minutes while we were running errands. The result of a 4am wake-up (and an hour of heavy crying when I made her go back to bed). Even so, she was obviously tired by 2pm so I tried to put her down for her nap.
We did her usual pre-nap routine. I changed her into a new diaper and out of jeans into comfy pants, read stories while snuggling on the couch, sang a song, and into the crib she went. And then the screaming started. It went strong for about half an hour before I went in to let her know that I was still there. I tried to calm her down without picking her up, but she wouldn’t be comforted. So I told her it was sleeping time, and that I loved her, and then I left the room. The crying and screaming continued for another 15 minutes before I went in again. Once again, I patted her back, stroked her hair and told her calmly that she needed to take her nap. And then I left the room. Another 15 minutes went by, during which the crying ebbed and flowed a little. She did some babbling, even laughed a few times, but then would yell and scream like someone was torturing her. At that point, I went back into the room and told her sternly but calmly that it was not appropriate for her to scream like that, and that she needed to sleep now. I left the room once again, and within 5 minutes, she was sleeping.
Total time to settle down for nap: 57 minutes
Number of room visits: 3
Tears shed by Mommy: about 2 minutes worth. It helped to do some research on the Internet about the situation. And I also got busy prepping the roasted veggies for dinner.
Mommy’s nap afterwards: PRICELESS!
Oh, and by the way…Daddy put the Bean to bed tonight, and she went down without a peep. I think he’s found a new calling!
The Bean's Journey 