Twin Bed Update

The boys got their twin beds right when they turned two in August.   It has been the biggest challenge for me in getting them to stay in bed.    So much so that I wasn't able to write in my blog because it was to late when they finally went to sleep.    Not to mention I was so frustrated and wiped out that all I could do was collapse.    Well it's now October and I think all the hard work and determination has paid off.

Both boys go down at 7pm now and stay in bed.   Naps are hit and miss but lately it's been more of a hit.    They may get up once and then we put them back down and they nap for 1 1/2 hours.   Instead of taking one week like it did with Brooklyn, it took a few months.    I asked for advice from friends, family and a great site that hosts the Twin Magazine.    Another organization that I asked for help was Love and Logic for raising children.    The consistant variable was being consistant and don't engage with them in any way.   

We kept the same bedtime routine of baths, pajamas, milk, reading and singing a song as we put them to bed.   We told them firmly to stay in bed.    If they got up we put them right back down without looking at them in the eye or talking to them.   The key was always doing the same thing.   After a few months of having no evenings for ourselves (yes a few months), they finally gave up and starting sleeping.   For those of you who are curious, we sleep them in the same room.   I tried separating them and it only made it worse.   After consulting the Twin organization, the experts agreed it's best to keep them together at this age. 

It's so nice to have our evenings back and boys who are not sleep deprived anymore.   Every child is different so never give up hope.  It will eventually happen if you be consistant and firm.    Thanks to everyone who gave us great suggestions.   It finally worked!