How long should I let my 2 1/2 year old son cry?

We are trying to train him to go to sleep by himself and he has been crying for 2+ hours now. It's breaking my heart!
Will this work at 2 1/2?

Answers:
When you say bedtime, you need to mean it. Don't go back and check on him, this just gives him an excuse to stay awake longer, and he knows it works. He may just be 2 1/2, but he knows what to do to stay up later, and its working.
By checking on him, you are reinforcing his behavior which is a no-no. Stop going in every 15 minutes. Let him know that when it is bedtime, it's bedtime, and you will see him in the morning. Eventually he will stop crying or (harsh as this may sound) cry his self to sleep. I know it is hard, but it is something you have to do. After you hear him quiet down and know he is asleep and will NOT hear you come in, check on him then.

This will not be easy, since he is already used to you coming in every 15 minutes, but you need to stick to the Boundaries. It may take a week or more before you see improvements, or maybe even sooner, It's all up to you.

Other Answers:
Our doctor told us that your child should cry him/herself asleep in 15 min, and we can usually set the clock by it. If they are crying for more than that there is usually something wrong. Might check the diaper or food.

If he cries for more than 5 minutes, maybe nothings wrong but he certainly needs something so you should find out.
You can softly put him in your arms and talk to him softly (don't shake him, just hold him and rub his back) and when he is calm just put him nicely in his bed. Try this each and every time he cries as many times as its needed for the first two nights.
Source(s):
http://www.babywhisperer.com/

Two hours is way too long. He may be crying hysterically now....and almost can't stop. I would speak with his pediatrician to see what his/her recommendations are. In the meantime, I would go console him and see if you can get him to sleep in his own bed/bedroom with you present and once he settles, quietly leave.....I would leave a door open and a comforting night-light. Maybe you can try the ferber method, I hear its quite painful for all parties involved, but it does work.
Source(s):
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/7755.html

Just remember that he's crying to get something from you. If you were to get him out of bed now he'd fall asleep because he's exhausted. But if you get him out of bed after 2 hours tonight, he'll cry for 3 tomorrow night. he'll cry all night if he knows he'll get what he wants. It's just a test, and if you want to keep your sanity you have to pass the test. It's very hard to let your child cry but if you give in to it you are ensuring that there will be much more crying to come.
Source(s):
Been through all this enough.

My son is also 2 1/2 and he has just recently started sleeping in his own bed also. The easiest thing for him to make the transition was for me to let him fall asleep and then place him in his bed. He's a lot more receptive to waking up in his bed then going to bed by himself. Small steps are easiest on you and him.

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How long should I let my 2 1/2 year old son cry?

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