25 month old won't let mummy leave bedroom HELP!!

[Kalamiphile]

'E' has been great at soothing herself to sleep until a few weeks ago asked for door ajar, went down happily. Over the past 2 weeks insists mummy 'sit in chair' or 'E get up now' and stays awake for another 45 minutes, if Mum tries to leave cries until mummy sits down. Last night it took 90 minutes! Mummy tonight has put stair gate on bedroom door and E is at door crying for mummy until hysteria sets in. If this technique does'nt work has anyone experienced this and have some ideas as to other approachs that mummy might try? Many thanks EDF Mums x

[Ruth_Baldock]

My son has been going through this off and on since he was 22mo. He's 2y9mo now (34 months???)

We have had some success with gradual withdrawal over the course of a week; so day 1, sit in chair until he falls asleep, day 2, stay until he is just about to fall asleep, leave, whisper that 'Mummy is going to sleep now...' (Lies, I am downstairs watching my SATC boxset) day3, wait for 5 mins so he's drowsy but awake, and so on...

[chantelle]

God, I totally remember this phase of being held hostage, and it still goes on sometimes at age 4. I don't really have any advice, I would stay as long as I could and then leave till tears. I think it was just easiest to stay until they're asleep because going back two or three times would take a lot longer.

[Kalamiphile]

Ha ha, I think I recall doing the same with mummy, 37 years ago. Last night 'E' cried until sha was sick and then instead of getting off bed in ussual way climbed onto the end high bit, straddled like on a horse as if she was saying look i might hurt myself so get in here!! I think mummy might try gradually moving towards the door and then to corridor over the next week. She is so exhausted she is finding work hard poor love x