Transition to Toddler Bed
Dear Susan:
I have two sons; one four months, the other will be three in March. Within the last two weeks we moved the three-year-old to a toddler bed and moved the four-month-old to the crib. The three-year-old does a fairly good job of staying in bed at night although I have to stay with him until he falls asleep. This is not a problem since I enjoy the time together. Problem is naptime. He will not stay in his bed at all. No form of punishment works at all (we do not spank). He thinks it is a game to get out of bed. Even staying in the room with him does not work. He still needs a nap because he is exhausted and collapses every afternoon around 5:00 p.m. We had some problems with him taking naps prior to moving him from his crib but nothing like this. Due to his lack of a nap he becomes very ornery the rest of the day. Any suggestions?
Jams
Dear James,
This is a real problem, but you may want to think about it as normal, because you are forming a “habit” with him at night-time which he is now expecting to have at naptime. Try not to lie with any young child, except to read, cuddle, love and say goodnight. Then, a firm schedule will help him establish when lights out takes place, when he can read in bed or entertain himself, or when you will be shutting the door and leaving.
Punishment is best forgotten. Instead focus on establishing good evening routine habits. Bath, dinner, TV, books, quiet play time, a game, then bathroom, then to bed. Children will understand then what to do for naptime.
Dr. Susan
