[lakimnafite]

So, what is the statute of limitations on not letting a PI child cry it out at bedtime? We have been home two and a half years. For the most part, Allie has been pretty easy to put to bed. That was, until just recently. Now bedtime can last for two or three hours. Including major screaming, throwing things, hitting the walls or me if I am in the room. She will fight and fight sleep, continue to ask for more and more books, or water, or bathroom.. whatever she can think of. Of course, if I give her anything then it's "NO" and she screams and throws things.

I don't understand how or why a great sleeper took such a turn. I didn't change our bedtime rituals. But I can't handle bedtime any more. There is one change I will note but I don't think it really created this. Her brother shares her room while we have DH's brother living with us. However, they have different bed times and so she is asleep (assuming she fell asleep...) before his bed time. So, her bedtime shouldn't be effected by him other than he is there when she wakes up. He sleeps in a loft well above her so neither disturbs the other.

She will eventually fall asleep if someone is in the room with her. But she no longer will fall asleep on her own. Is this a phase, a problem, a warning sign? I do not want to be tied to her room for two hours every night while I wait for her to fall asleep! I want her to be a good healthy sleeper, with the ability to fall asleep on her own. But I do not want her to cry for hours and be afraid either.

I know the PI issue has got to trump the 'SuperNanny' cry it out philisophy - but I am at a loss!

Help..

Sleepless in Portland