S.B.
There was a post similar to this one yesterday. Here's my (slightly edited) response, it's been working pretty well for us.
I think it's normal. She has discovered a little freedom. We had to move our daughter to a regular bed much earlier than I wanted. We had the same issues (and her brother had some problems too, but he wasn't as bad). For a 2 year old, I doubt a reward system would work. It's hard for them to understand be good now and get something later. We added more activity during the day, black out curtains, and no tv after dinner. Our night time routine stayed the same and absolutely no toys or books in bed (it only helps keep them awake). She is only allowed her snugglies that she has used since about 6 months of age. It helped, but didn't solve the problem. She can be a pretty determined child. We needed her to sleep, because the days with her being so grumpy were very trying on the entire family. So I started to sit by her bed. I avoided this at first, I didn't want to start a habit, but like I mentioned, we were desperate. We did our normal routine and then I would sit on the floor with my back turned. I didn't answer her when she talked. My only purpose was to keep her in bed. If she got up I put her back in bed without saying a word. It still took a while for her to learn to stay in bed. After a few weeks of this, I started moving further away and leaving the room before she fell asleep. I did this for a little while. Since she had gotten used to me, she did get out of bed a little more for a few nights "Mommy come sit with me." Again, no words, we just went back to bed. And now she goes to bed without assistance. We do have a rouge rough night here and there, but most nights go well. If our kids wake up in the middle of the night, they are allowed a minute of snuggles and then back to their bed. The only exception is if they wake up ill. Be consistent and firm. She'll get it. Napping was even harder, but once she learned to fall asleep at night, nap time became much easier.
