Again I thought things would go better because Ray had inquired about “nap” time several times over the course of the evening. He was in good spirits at bedtime. Sure enough as soon as I said mommy hug time he began his distress.

For about an hour we did the usual with Ray opening his door and either Daddy or I telling “no game” “back to bed” etc. Dad and I have taken the broken record approach trying no to say anything additional or engage with him in any way except to say the aforementioned. Or course we don’t always succeed.

What’s funny this … the game elements for Ray …

1.       He tries to lengthen the time by rearranging the stuffed animals on his bed

2.       he tries to lengthen the time by asking for things

3.       He tries to be as quite as he can until he opens the door

So as the night drew on I was trying to think of a consequence that would be immediate and important enough to get Ray to change his behavior. I finally come up with telling him that if he continues to get out of bed and opening his door I won’t let him sleep with his pooh bear. I got back to the kitchen and about 3 minutes later I hear his door open. I head for his room determined to take pooh bear away and steel myself for the crying I am sure will follow. I get to the door and Ray stick his hand our of the door which is holding pooh bear and says, “here.” And then turns around and gets back in bed. Deep sigh.

So after about another ½ hour, I am growing weary. So next time I hear the door open I just round the corner and say “back to bed.” Ray goes back to bed but I don’t go over and close the door. I just leave it open thinking that he’ll wait a few minutes and march out to the living room. 3 minutes pass. 5 minutes pass. 10 minutes pass. 20 minutes pass. 40 minutes pass. We debate whether we should creep over and shut or not risk him waking up. Finally, Dad bravely goes over and gets the door closed. Whew.

He did get up around 3ish, I think, it was Dad’s turn so I don’t know for sure. Daddy reported in the morning that Ray went back to bed and didn’t get up again until 7am he usual wake up time.

We're going to try fitting a baby gate in this doorway tonight.