Relaxation Techniques for Toddler/Bedtime?

Is it not possible? For the past month, DS is having such a hard time settling down at bedtime and naptime. He was so good before but now he can't quiet his mind. I've tried singing, deep breathing with him, a little foot massage. We read for about 20 min - 30 min before bed. Any other ideas? Is it just the stage? I want him to know how to relax and soothe. He's 2.5


Also - separate but related - he is still in a crib. He doesn't try to climb out but does do hand stands and sometimes flips over - this make me nervous - is it time for a bed? Maybe that will help with the sleep?

TIA!

Relaxation Techniques for Toddler/Bedtime?

we had ds in a toddler bed just before 2nd bday. I was too nervous cause my niece and nephew use to climb out their crib... all we did was put a gate up at the door to the room....

ds now gets to watch a tvshow or movie to fall asleep, and my friend use to put a portable dvd player in the room instead of keeping a tv in the room.

Re: Relaxation Techniques for Toddler/Bedtime?

My Ds went through a stage like this too. We dim the lights and now I put him in the crib and read a book to him while he is laying down. We used to read in the rocking chair but he would get up and start playing and get himself all wound up.

Also maybe he is overtired. My DS gets all wound up and goes from hysterical laughing to crying and back again in a minute at this time of night. Maybe an earlier bedtime would help.

Re: Relaxation Techniques for Toddler/Bedtime?

Switching to a bed helped us a lot. She still gets wild when i have to lotion her up and put her PJs on but i am firm with her sternly tell her to stop. What helps most is to give her "jobs" ie. i ask her to help me put lotion on her arm while I do her leg.... I try to keep her engaged because the minute I don't she is kicking, twisting, squirm all over the place. She gets very silly and very wound up. after she is all ready, we sit on her bed and read books. She is MUCH better with reading the books in her own bed then when we read them on a chair in her room My DD will be 2 1/2 in November. I'm hoping in the next 6 months as she matures it will get even better.....