bringing 2 years old to bed

Hi, is it normal to bring a 2 years old to bed, whilst having on the tv, whilst the lights are on, and making it ok to last this for 2.5 hours?


i am devastated..........i dont understand this at all.....


it takes my wife 2 to 2.5 hours to bring him to bed......!!!!!

Agreed with Cara (as usual). It is a struggle so make sure you set firm limits.


Our daughter seldom watches TV but that's a personal preference. If she does it's only one episode of Little Einsteins. In any case perhaps you need to change to reading a book since many TV programs can make your child a bit excited. We set the limit at three books in the evening (these are kid's books with 10-20 pages and mostly pictures). After that she pees and goes. There is frequent resistance but we are firm. She does understand that she is stalling but puts on a good act. ;)


As Cara also mentions you're not going to manage this the first time around. It takes literally months. Be consistent and firm, but of course not mean. No yelling and only the mildest of bullying. Make sure he/she understands the rules BEFORE you go to read/watch TV.

stalling tactics - very common during this stage at bedtime, my toddler (2 next month) does the same.

but i wouldn't tolerate 2.5 hours of this!


decide on a bedtime and 1 hour before, ensure he's started his bedtime routine - bath, milk, bedtime story...don't let him play with his toys anymore...perhaps a couple of toys to wind down in his room but not in the living area, he might get too excited. and if TV, nothing too exciting, we watch postman pat ABCs, which is quite chilled. and when he's in his bed or cot, a big kiss goodnight, be firm and walk out, no turning back!!!

ahh i'm also having trouble with my 2yr9mth old!!! ever since he was born i've had to do certain sleep techniques every so often! they would work, but then the kid becomes testing again, and it all starts again...


anyway i'd suggest using one of supernanny's techniques - like the stay-in-bed technique or sleep separation technique. they worked for me last time.


check her website or buy her book...http://www.supernanny.co.uk/Advice/-/Health-and-Development/-/0-to-4-years/Sleep-Separation.aspx