How to Train Someone Else's 18 Month Old to Sleep

You have the right idea. I know it will be a harder transition because she is older, but it is worth starting it now. If she is a self-calming child (i.e. when she cries, she usually calms herself down quickly) then you should have no problem letting her cry it out. Consider putting music on while she learns to put herself to sleep. The noise might distract her. I can't imagine that the parents would have a problem with this. It's just what is going to work for you & if this is the only way to get it to work, so be it. You can always start out with a time limit, too...only letting her cry for 15, and adding 5 minutes each day until she gets it. I am the same as you...we started while the boys were young & now they go down, no questions asked. Good luck!

I believe you must just keep doing what you are doing until she is use to it and it will eventually work. I use to take care of 18-24 month olds and what we did is pat their backs, rub their head, gently rub ears or temples it depended on the child. This is 2 care givers with 13 toddlers at nap. We started with 2 at a time than moved in assembly line style until all were asleep. We always saved the hardest one for last.

C.

I agree with Lindee T. If you suggested it to me I'd pull my child right away. If you feel that the child not napping is not going to work for you let them know so they can find a situation that will work for her. I don't force naps on my children and know others who feel the same.
Best wishes.

Unless you know they trust you 110%, I would not approach the cry it out method. I love my sitter to death but DO NOT believe in the cry it out method...keeping in mind I trained mine very young like you to sleep on their own. If my sitter approached me about this I would pull my child out. But that is just me...If you know they trust you to do things the way they would, talk to them. You might want to have a couple of additional options to "cry it out" as well.