How many of you have toddlers that

Thanks everyone. It does feel like I am alone in this as no one else in my coffee group seems to have any problems, or at least they don't say that they do.

Jack never got attached to anything (cuddlies etc) and I never gave him a dummy so I think that could be why we have more problems than some other people may have.

Last night DH and I took turns sitting outside his door (I had to see to Ben at one point) and although it was annoying for the time it took, I did get the washing folded! and it was alot less stressful for everyone which I do think means that Jack sleeps a little better during the night. We may just stick to this for a while.

Lily was a wonderful self-settler and sleeper until just before her 1st bday and it all turned to custard after that!
I now lay with her until she falls asleep, she likes to hold onto me. Sometimes I feed her if she is particularly upset about bedtime (its the only time of the day she gets booby and its more of a comfort thing cause I dont think there is much milk left in there!) otherwise we just listen to her tigger nightlight/song toy. She is a finger sucker so no dummies or cuddlies. If she is tired it takes about 1/2 hour, if not can take up to 90 mins. It's been very hard but we tried the crying it out but she just ended up hysterical and I personally think she's too old fo rthat now. We have decided to carry on until she's a bit older and we can discuss bedtime with her and so she knows we are still close by. She does take herself to bed when she's ready and will wait for us on her bed with her books, it's more that she doesn't like being alone I think.
You are def not alone in this. I think it's just something that people either don't admit to or they just don't mention it because it's normal for them. Just think, in a few years we won't be able to get them out of bed!!!

Caleb was great but the last six months he's protested when its bed time about 90% of the time. Now we snuggle up and read a couple of books together then he gets to choose one to take to bed with him and this has made all the difference. He's happy to give me a kiss and cuddle then sits down and reads his book until he falls asleep.