Transition

For the past week or so, we have been transitioning Tyson into his toddler bed. It has been fairly smooth compared to stories I have heard from friends. Tyson has been a consistent napper leading up to this, and goes to bed very easily. A little over a week ago, he decided it was time to exert some independence and refuse to stay in the crib. I was actually a little surprised that he hadn't done this already considering he is 2 and 1/2. This made naptime non-existent. Not quite sure how to handle it, I tried various discipline methods, but none of them reaching the desired results, as I think I just reinforced his bad behavior with my showing up to deal with him. He did nap one day, which I have decided was a fluke. So, we decided to do away with the crib and bring his toddler bed inside. He has liked this bed so far, and that has made us relieved. At nighttime, he still goes to sleep without any fanfare or fuss. Yesterday, after consulting with my Mom about getting a child to nap, I tried an new plan. I gated the doorway, and when rocking Tyson as I always do, I discussed how if he went to sleep and didn't leave his bed, he could watch a movie when he woke up. If he didn't go to sleep, then no movie. Of course he chose the "christmas train", which most of us know as the Polar Express. I told him I would not come to the door and that if he went to sleep by himself he could get to watch. Believe it or not, it worked! He did come up to the door a few times, but I didn't even come into the hallway. Eventually he went to sleep. (side note: I chose to reward him with something that I knew he would really want or miss. I could have chosen his toy trains, but I thought that a movie when I am fixing dinner would be good.) I am trying today's nap plan even as we speak and so far I haven't heard a peep. Hopefully this will continue, because he still really needs this afternoon sleep. Plus, I hoped there could be a way without lots of crying, although we have certainly done that in the past. The best part is, is that he can choose to be rewarded or not, and I have little involvement overall.

I spent the morning organizing and rearranging Tyson's room. I am excited to finally pull out the bedding I bought ages ago. I still don't have the right pillows to fit the pillowcases, but they are on their way! The quilt that goes with the duvet has been hanging from the wall for awhile because he likes the planes.