poem on a very bad night. I am grieving of course, which doesn't help, but you'll be pleased to know the bedtimes are going much much better and actually since writing that comment (it must have had some cathartic effect) I took a step back and just, quite simply, chilled. I stopped yelling, I stopped threatening her with the stool (which was clearly driving her nuts) and I have also tried to stop caring about what happens if she never falls asleep by herself. I'm watching my diet and caffeine intake a bit more to try and ascertain whether my irritability (which often feels almost physical when it manifests) is related. Elaine I am so glad to hear from you. I'm so glad too, to hear that things are going better for you. I totally agree that to just take a step back and chill is a great idea. I also get very frustrated sometimes, especially if I am left with the 2 of them to put to bed by myself, and they just run rings around me and refuse to lie down, and usually the best thing is to take everyone downstairs, pour myself a glass of wine and put on 'animals do the funniest things' or some other rubbish on tv! Everyone usually ends up smiling, which is a great alternative to yelling, even if it doesn't comply with the societal ideal of ultra obedient children. I'm really glad to hear you are looking after yourself too. Sending