Terrible 3's Continued...

Since turning three, as we mentioned, Cole has been exhibiting some difficult behaviors. In addition to our struggles with getting dressed (which has improved a lot with the addition of the "treasure box," as Cole calls it) we also struggle with bedtime. Failing at bedtime is a huge bummer for us because up until this point bedtime was smooth sailing. Down at 7pm and up at 7:30am pretty much without any hiccups.

Our routine has not changed at all, after bath, teeth brushing, and what we call "head and face" (i.e. Aquaphor on face and scar cream on forehead) Cole gets three books (usually ends up being four or five when I put him to bed because I am a sucker, unlike Mommy), we sing him one song and he gets put in his crib. Right around the time of turning three, Cole started saying that he is "not ready yet." This gets repeated several times in a VERY whiny voice. Then he starts saying, "I just don't want to." Sometimes after that he will start talking about how he doesn't like his bed or that he needs water. At times he will want to change his pajamas because he is hot, or he needs a band aid on an invisible injury. Basically, he starts giving every excuse he can think of to stay out of his crib.

Kristin and I are trying to be tough. We have scaled back the bedtime routine somewhat. We are careful to countdown the books and remind him that it is almost time for his crib. No excuses. Sadly this leads to about one hour of crying and screaming, often waking up Henry. It is pretty amazing how resistant Cole is when it comes to bedtime. After an hour we will go in his room to just calm him down. He is exhausted and sweaty at this point from screaming for an hour but he is super stubborn and just won't quit.

Sometimes after calming him down he will go to sleep. Other times, another 30 minute or hour long screaming and crying session will ensue. Then he will usually fall asleep. Many nights this is not even the end because in the middle of the night he will wake up all in a tiz and want out of his crib...back to screaming and crying. A few nights, after making sure he was okay of course, we wore ear plugs.

We have talked this to death and just can't really figure out what we could do differently. We definitely don't want to get in the habit of letting him sleep with us so I guess it is screaming for now! To those without kids, you are welcome for the free birth control.

This was during a nap in the "big bed" with Mom

 

All scrubbed up and ready for books...and in Cole's case screaming