Why isn't this getting any easier?? **really long**

So I totally know we should've taken the binky away ages ago but he was only using it to sleep and nap on the weekends (doesn't use one at school during nap)

So Friday night, we have a bit of a stand off....I asked ds to do something, he flat out refused, so I said then no binky thinking this would definitely get him to do it. Still refused so he went to bed without binkies. No fight, just stubborn and went to sleep.

Sat, DH says let's just go with it and tell him the binky fairy came. Naptime comes.....he lays there but does not sleep. So before bed, we write a letter to the binky fairy asking what happened to his binkies. He's fine until until we put him in bed and the "I MISS BINKIES" chant begins. He gets himself so upset he pukes a little. DH cleans him up and gives him a new Diego "big boy" blanket as a trade for his binky, which somehow works and he goes right off to sleep.

Sunday morning he wakes to a letter from the binky fairy saying how he's such a big boy and binkies are for babies. She left 3 presents for him. A pillow to match the blanket, a remote control car (a leftover gift from Christmas), and book (that was already on his shelf but never noticed ) He seems thrilled and talks about what a big boy he is. He asks for the binky at his nap, we say sorry buddy they're gone and he whines a little but then takes a good nap. Although, I go in at one point to check on him and he basically gave us a big F U.......he took his new pillow and blanket out of bed and put in on the dresser as if to say, "I don't need your stinkin' gifts, I want my binky back"

Bedtime comes and he's fine again until we put him into bed and the "I MISS BINKIES" chant starts up again, with an added please mommy, please daddy, I'm sorry freakin torture, but it only lasts about ten minutes and he goes to sleep, rejecting all other blankets, pillows, etc we offer and sleeps in a ball at the opposite end of the bed hugging his puppy

This morning he gets up, goes to school, comes home and they note that he didn't nap today. We go through bedtime routine only now he's starting to show anxiety while we're reading books and doesn't participate like normal. Won't kiss us goodnight and starts the "I MISS BINKIES" chant again, only louder and more desperate sounding with the added heart-wrenching "please mommy & daddy can I have a big boy binky?". Dh goes in after 10 minutes non-stop of this to find him curled in a ball in bed without his pjs on. So he goes in and offers him different pjs. DS asks for his fridge phonics radio and dh says ok and gives it to him.

ps the reason dh keeps going in is because I am a complete sucker and would pick him up and cuddle him and let him manipulate me into staying up later.

He's now quiet after getting the radio. I just thought by night 4 this would be a bit easier It's taking everything in me to not just give it back to him

Thanks if you got this far, I don't know what I'm looking for, I just want to get past this

Re: Why isn't this getting any easier?? **really long**

It sounds so hard. My kids still have theirs for sleeping at 19 months. I can only say that if you have already done it for 4 nights at least give it a week. Maybe offer him extra cuddling before sleep? I think you should stick it out

Re: Why isn't this getting any easier?? **really long**

ugh I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can only imagine how tough it must be. You've made it this far...you can do it!! I'm sure it's heartbreaking, agonizing, frustrating....all that stuff!!!

Re: Why isn't this getting any easier?? **really long**

Just look at the bright side: at least it's a binky you can throw away. I was tortured for YEARS by not being able to quit sucking my thumb!!!! you can't throw a thumb away.

Re: Why isn't this getting any easier?? **really long**

awww it sounds so hard but after a few more nights I bet he'll get used to it!

Re: Why isn't this getting any easier?? **really long**

Thanks ladies

He was quiet after DH gave him the radio and went right off to sleep. Maybe he needs to hold on to something? idk. I'm just not looking forward to sleepy-time anymore and it used to be so pain-free and easy {{sigh}}

Next step is transitioning to the big boy room (probably next week)

Re: Why isn't this getting any easier?? **really long**

Its really hard but it does get easier! It was tough for almost 2 weeks for us....hate to have to tell you that. But one day its like a switch flipped and he just stopped asking. He will be OK, you guys will be OK and you just have to hang in there!