Mini Hulk (Buddy) has had a very rough past few nights.

Bedtime has always been an issue with him, but lately, he has gotten out of control and I don’t know what to do!

When Buggy doesn’t have school, we let them sleep together. (A) It removes any bedtime battle and (B) he sleeps better when sleeping with someone or someone sleeps with him.

Three nights ago, Buggy wasn’t feeling well and did not want Buddy to sleep with her. This set off the nickname Mini Hulk. He began growling (it was like a growl/yell that was done in an attempt to calm himself or warn us, LOL), yelling, crying, slamming doors, breaking his toys… for over an hour! Nothing we said or did calmed him down – it just made him more angry and would cause him to yell names at us. He finally wore himself out and passed out.

Tonight, bedtime was a disaster again and Mini Hulk appeared doing the same as described above. I attempted to lay down in bed with him, but the problem with that (has always been) that when we lay with him, he starts jumping all over us and the bed. He gets out of bed and runs around. It completely defeats the purpose of us laying with him. When we leave the room, Mini Hulk ensues again (as it did tonight). (Side note: Mini Hulk has only recently begun. Prior to this it would just be a crying fit which was easily ignored or calmed down.)

I don’t know how to get him to bed with Mini Hulk issues. I know someone is going to recommend a bedtime routine. Our bedtime routine is that they are forewarned a half hour in advance (they usual get to watch kids shows after dinner so when the last one starts, they are told that when the show is over, it is time to get ready for bed). Baths (if bath night) are done during this same time and when the show is over, they give kisses, head to bed and get covered up with the goodnight kisses. It has always been the same. They are always warned in advance of any upcoming changes so as never to be surprised.

I just don’t know what more I can do about the bedtime routine… or Mini Hulk for that matter.

Any suggestions or advice would be welcome!