my two and a half year old goes through stages like this himself

hes scared of the dark etc,, the times that he just wont crash out as fast as other nights i do sit in his room near him but i tell him to go ni niii and give him a kiss and not face his face ,, he does at times try to talk to me but i dont awnser him i do say now and then its sleep time honey shhhhh and just ignore him not to stimulate him to think its still play time .. i have been in his room an hour at times but he does fall into a deep sleep and thats when i know hes going to stay sleeping the whole night ,,

i listen for signs of him having a little snore thats when i know its safe for me to leave the room without him waking up as soon as i stand up ,,,,,,

 

it totally sounds like he really still wants you or needs to be near you at night.  and when you get in a struggle over it, most kids will dig their heels in and insist on what they need (especially if you have a track record of meeting their needs and not ignoring them).  i think this is a good sign of your attachment. 

at the same time, it sounds like you really need him to sleep in his own bed which is totally valid also.

i think you need a temporary truce--either you sleeping with him in his bed or letting him come to you at night--until things calm down and you can try again.  then, i think you need to talk about it a lot, make his bed really cozy and make bedtime very special and nurturing--not like punishment at all.  and have a plan for when he wakes up and needs you.  some kids will tone it down when they realize they do have night access to you, even if there are some restrictions around it (like you can't come in until the morning, or if you come in you need to sleep in a little bed on the floor beside my bed, etc.)

also, it really could be some other factor where he needs nighttime parenting--like the molars for instance.

best of luck and so sorry you are having to go through this!  i know it can be exhausting.

Sounds to me your little boy is seeing what he can do by sleep habits be stricte on it and keep putting him in the room say to him its bedtime and dont make too much of a fuss keep doing it -also maybe nite mares could be the problem too and they are starting to dream more ,have he been sick too?as sickness can be a big part of sleep disturbances.If no changes chat to your nurse or Doctor well hope he sleeps well again

To be screaming so much he may have had a nightmare. That's the hardest thing with children that age - they cannot tell you if they do have a nightmare. Try to 'read' your son - does he seem scared to get into bed? Or just being difficult? If he does seem scared, try a 'magic spray' - fill a spray bottle with water (putting gliiter in it looks good if the bottle is clear) & lable it 'magic spray'. Tell Aidan it's very special spray that will keep any nasty things away & help him sleep.

If it seems he is just being difficult (most kids test the boundaries at his age) try a reward system such as a star chart. Hang it next to his bed - if he goes to bed when he is told & is good, in the morning let him put a star on, then give him a reward when he gets up to a set number of stars (you could start it at 5 stars, then build to more).

Another idea is put a CD player in his room & let him listen to his favourite music (quietly, of course) to go to sleep to. If he screams when you go to leave, tell him he can only listen to the music if you can go. Also cuddle him (which I'm sure you do) & reassure him that you are not far away, like, "mummy is just watching TV" for instance.

Good luck!

My first, a great little night sleeper,started waking at about 18-20 months. She would get up screaming. I was told by some more experienced mums at playgroup that it was night terrors. When little ones become aware of their dreaming. They advised me to put her staight back to bed once I had cuddle calmed and reassured. Then I sat with her and sang songs untill she went back to sleep. maybe 10 mins. Initially I would do the controlled crying.But was informed that for night dreaming that is not really the way to go.They are a bit scared,but not yet sure why,so need reasurance that your close. Hope this helps some, good luck and best wishes. Winnie.