REM and NREM Stages of Sleep. . What helps your child sleep may not work the same for another child. Many children sleep better when there is a bedtime ritual or routine. Some children sleep better with their parents. Some children need a parent with them until they fall asleep, and then they are content to sleep alone in their bed the rest of the night.
Some toddlers fall asleep only when nursed to sleep.
Putting expectations on a child that he is not ready to meet can cause many unnecessary struggles. As you listen to your toddler and meet his needs, he will feel secure and will grow into independence as he becomes ready. Since you cannot make your child go to sleep, battles over this are futile. Make bedtime pleasant. Try to help your toddler see sleep as a good thing.