So, I guess we have had our Toddler Beds for almost two months.  As you may or may not recall the issue of moving up to toddler beds was forced by our cribs being recalled (over a year ago).  Once they realized that they could get out of bed on their own my life at bedtime has SUCKED!  I dread this time of the day so much.  They share a room, so as you can imagine we usually have one jacked up and one who is ready to sleep.  But of course they are totally into peer pressure and the sleepy one will start acting crazy and wild.  I know they need their own rooms – I think that will solve the problem – but the only other two people who share a room in our home are my husband and I and no one else wants to help me out on this one and bunk together.  I’ve used this reasoning and all I get in response it “you want to share a room with Daddy” to which I say “no not all the time, sometimes I would like my own room” – hmmm believe it or not that doesn’t work.

I hate to threaten the twins with “If you don’t stay in bed then X, Y, or Z – will be taken away….”  I have removed their table and chairs, books, etc. (they hate this – at times they have chased after me and brought stuff back into their room – funny now – not so funny then), taken their beloved TV time away (they get to watch one Wonder Pets and one Blues Clues while I make dinner – ok seriously who is really being punished with that one?).  Unfortunately the only thing that works is the flippen TV or DVD’s in the car!  This is however something they get!  When they ask to watch a DVD in the car or their two shows while I make dinner and I say no – they are able to tell me why and what happened that caused them to lose their privileges.

So is the TV threat working?  Most of the time.  My advice, only use punishments you are able to follow through with and don’t end up punishing yourself in the long run.  Think before you open your mouth and speak – probably one of the most difficult things to do as a parent.