2 Year old waking up 7 times a night, what to do?

Part of your problem may also be the rooibos tea as it has an appetising effect, so it may actually make her hungry. Have you ever tried the Purity Bedtime drink? It contains malt (to fill them up a bit) and is vanilla flavoured so it tastes good. I sometimes give it to my LO. Not every night though, because I am afraid he will then only drink his milk if it is sweet. But I usually give it before bedtime on those days when he ate badly during the day.
I agree with the other mommies though - no drinks in the middle of the night!

Article about sleep training.

www.iol.co.za/html/frame_babynet.php?set...0505075041133C245681

I agree with RM 100% ! We made the mistake of running after Brandon in the middle of the night, just to have a bit of peace - that little bit if lunacy lasted about 3 months until I had had enough.

Now if he wants a sip of water, there is a cup next to his bed - if it is finished, he gets out of bed and gets himself some more from the bathroom !

There is NO attention after 20h00 at night, unless sick. I do allow brandon to climb into bed with me at night, especially when DH is away, but I turn my back on him and go back to sleep, no conversation, no playing - night time is for SLEEPING
I invariably put him back in his own bed, as I really do not like being kicked and elbowed

I will follow Dylan's lead when it comes to potty training. No rush there.

I agree with rm. I became a mom at age 34. I like my own time as I am used to it. This doesn't mean I don't love my kid to bits but he needs his sleep and I need my ahhhhh moment once he is asleep. I refuse to fight with a kid all night long.

He has his moments where I know that a good cuddle is needed and yes a trip to mommies bed when he has had a night terror and has woken if fine especially after I hear him trying to consol himself but not getting it right. And a drink of water if he isn't well is fine too.


Like RM says they will always test you because you may just give in once and that's all they need to start a new habit.

We go away and the same rules apply we stick to the same routine and he sleeps fine.

That is why it is so difficult being a parent.

The one thing I have to keep on reminding myself of is that I am Dylan's parent not his friend. Hard but so important.

I tend to wait for them to show me signs that they are inclined. I really did not train as much as follow thier lead.

I did find my two kids developed very differently and at totally different speeds.

At what age did you gyus start potty training?

Charlaine N - I think there are times when someone is thirsty at night, but the majority of cases a child will not need fluid.

If you create an environment where having a "sippie" at 11pm is condoned, then a "sippie" at 11pm is what is going to become the norm.

Kids are natural negotiators, and wonderful opportunists.

I have a simple "no" rule - no matter what is requested after bedtime the answer is no.

No, you cannot have custard.
No, you cannot have a slice of bread.
No, you cannot have juicie - and please do not call it juicie.
No, you cannot have a story.
No, you cannot have another kiss and a hug.
No, you cannot have a cuddle.
No, you are not having the light on.

My kids are sleep trained - not because I am a good mom, but because I am a mom who needs a break. However, not one night goes by with a request for something or some play on my emotions. If I give in once, I will be sitting giving custard/juice/extra blankets/cuddles all night.

I literally walk down the passage like a prison warden, clicking lights off going "no, what ever it is ask me at 7am tomorrow morning"

I realise it is harsh - but on the upside, I have an undisturbed sleep, I can go out and leave my kids with a babysitter, as they are not going to be crying at 11pm, I can sit and eat dinner albeit it at 8pm in peace, I can go to friends and put my kids down for bed there, and follow the same rule - I can be an adult person after 7pm.

I also know when my kids really need something - a sore throat needs a sip of juice, a bad dream needs a kiss and cuddle in bed, a fever needs a pick up, an extra love and maybe a sleep in mom's bed. I am not totally blind to my kid's needs - I just can differentiate between needs and wants.