My 20 month old is a very challenging high needs child. By far, the biggest issue has always been sleeeeeep. We are mostly past constant night waking, but now I am having a new issue. Actually, it is not even close to new, but it is starting to really bother me. If I count up the time I am spending actively trying to get him to go to sleep, it is probably 4-5 hours/day which includes bedtime plus one nap. Lately, he's been skipping out on his naps entirely, but still not sleeping. For instance, Wednesday night slept 8 hours, and then WOULD not go to bed until 11 pm last night and that is after not napping either.

I lay down with him in our bed and try to cuddle, recite books, sing quiet songs, etc. This has to be done or else he'll fight relentlessly to get out of bed. Many times, that doesn't work, so I end up holding him in a chair where it is tougher to get down. Sometimes I put him in his crib, and he will play sometimes for over an hour in the pitch black before wanting me.

Singing doesn't work. Not singing doesn't work. Rocking doesn't work. Not rocking doesn't work. Being with me doesn't work. Not being with me doesn't work. Starting to put him to sleep when he's not totally exhausted doesn't work. Waiting until he is overly tired doesn't work. Skipping naps doesn't work. Having a nap doesn't work. I'm sure you're getting the picture. He is overly tired and super crabby all. the. time. He is clearly not getting enough sleep and I have literally tried everything. I am ready to tear my hair out! I am finding it unacceptable to have to be spending this much time trying to get him down to sleep. Help!!!! I need some AP minded ideas for something else to try. My blood pressure is really starting to raise spending so much time trying to get him down!