Keeping a toddler in bed

[Kit]

Help! How do I keep my just-turned 2 year old in bed? As soon as she's in bed, she hops out and sits by the bedroom door looking at her books and nattering to herself and her teddies. We've tried repeatedly putting her back to bed without a word, but she's straight back out again. We've tried leaving her to it, hoping that she'll get uncomfortable and get back into bed - but last night when we came up we found her fast asleep on the floor by the door. We've tried shouting and making it plain that we're not happy about it, but that doesn't deter her. We've tried turning the landing light off so there's no light to see her books - but that doesn't seem to work either. Result is a very tired grumpy kid the following day. Any advice gratefully received.

[katiesara]

I had a similar problem with my son, although he was slightly older at the time (nearly 3). I went with a simple reward scheme, stay in bed and you get a star in the morning to stick on a chart, get 7 stars and little one has a treat, it doesn't have to be a toy, maybe choosing an activity e.g. swimming or if you're really clever choosing the thing you intended to do anyway!! Bribery? Yes probably, but who cares??

[tracymort]

try this http://www.askdrsears.com/faq/sl13.asp

[Kit]

Thanks, katiesara - I am certainly not above bribery and corruption if it means she gets a good night's sleep! She doesn't really understand rewards yet, but I feel sure the problem isn't going to go away quickly, so I'll store it up for the future. Thanks as well, tracyh - useful article, and I've bookmarked it!