Child would not let me put her to sleep
Our child, 20 months old now, no longer lets me put her to sleep in the evening. We used to alternate with the mom and both cherish this part of parenting. It was fine -- we both followed the same routine.
However, about two months ago, the kid started crying unconsolably when I would put her on the changing table. I can hold her and disrobe her just fine elsewhere, but, when it is time for the diaper-change, screaming and crying begins. Mom comes in and happily takes over -- and the crying stops almost immediately. The kid even waves me good-bye smiling...
I'm hoping, she'll outgrow this phase, but I wonder, what is the reason -- and if I can do something about it.
(3)3 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
Why don't you try putting her to bed together? This way, you don't lose touch and she does not have to choose.
Well, I’m a BIT authoritarian in my parenting style, so keep that in mind. But...
My general philosophy of parenting (and it definitely applies in this situation) is that Dad and I do what works for US, because we are the ones doing the work. Sometimes the kids like our decisions, sometimes they don’t, but no amount of screaming fit is going to change the decisions, because a tantrum isn’t going to change what works for us. And either way, the kids adapt, and it usually doesn’t take too long. (Or many tantrums).
If your daughter is 20 months, she likely understands some language at this point - I would explain to her that “Mommy and daddy take turns. Tonight is daddy’s night, tomorrow is mommy’s night. If you want a story and a song tonight, then it’s going to be daddy and not mommy. If you don’t want a story or a song, that’s ok and you can go to bed without one.”
Keep in mind that even if she seems to like mommy better right now, she will grow to like bed time with daddy too, as long as you keep insisting on that being part of her routine. And don’t take her screaming personally :) things are very black and white for kids - if they aren’t getting exactly what they want, they have a hard time seeing merit in anything else until they’ve tried it.
Welcome to parenting.
Take your kid to a doctor to verify there is no illness or health concerns.
If your child is healthy, they will grow out of it. This is very normal and many parents have felt the same way.
Good luck!
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.