We are in the 1-0 nap transition and our DS is a COMPLETE MONSTER. He's fine all day, but around 6pm he starts testing like crazy- purposely hurting people, throwing food, acting like an animal. I've tried putting him to bed around this time, but he always ends up acting like a monster (purposely hurting people, throwing things around his room, standing at his gate screaming) in his room for another few hours. I try to maintain his bedtime routine, I try to be calm and read him books and tell him stories while lying in bed in the dark, etc, but he continues acting crazy. Basically, no matter what we do, he won't go to bed much earlier than on the days he does get a nap.
Important background- all of his life, this kid has resisted sleep. All sleep- night time, and naps. Must be perfectly tired to go to sleep, and always acting like sleep is the enemy. Fine once he is asleep (no co-sleeping, and only occasional NW). Feels like he goes from UT to OT instantly, and now that he is bigger, he is physically able to make it intolerable to be around him.
Please help. Should I continue 45-60 min car naps everyday and assume that he isn't ready to drop the nap? He won't nap in his room anymore- not for about a month. My husband and I are at our wits end.
