Toddler hates sleep!! Help!

[kim88]

My 2 and a half year old very VERY rarely sleeps through the night.

It's been going on that long that iv tried everything and just feel like iv given up and just give in to her because I'm so sick of it! She will literally shout and shout me until I go in and if I don't she just gets hysterical. I don't think she's scared because now she can talk really well and I ask her what's wrong and she just says she wants to go downstairs or she wants milk.
I am also blaming myself for making things worse because when I'm exhausted I just give in and get her milk or put a film on the iPad to settle her because I know she won't give in.
She used to self settle really well and sleep quite well until probably this time last year.

Basically what I'm asking is has anyone else had this problem, I feel like I'm the only one and it's all my fault for creating bad habits. I'm obviously going to stop with the iPad and milk as she is starting to rely on them, but any other tips would be appreciated. I asked the health visitor and she said about the gradual retreat method but that just wound her up more. I feel like she should be sleeping better by now! Xxx

 

[Starlight1986]

Is she in the cot? If so then it "should" be easier sorting the issue because she can't just come to you all the time, saying that it's obviously still hard!

You know what to do its just really hard work and needs perseverance. No more milk or IPad to start. Then it's just a case of ignoring her really. X

 

[JD.Deedee]

Yes but with us it's between 4-6 at night and we're not getting up at daft o'clock.. He drinks far more milk than what you describe so I wouldn't worry about caving in with milks and films now and again...

 

[kim88]

Yeh I think I just know how hard it's going to be so I'm putting it off, I can do this!! Xx

 

[Nutsyputs]

We had similar with my son and we started a bedtime routine (we'd had one previously but had become a bit lacks with it). We did it every night at the same time and got a reward chart and a gro clock. He got a sticker if he went to bed and stayed there without shouting or being silly and within a couple of weeks it worked.