Need Help with Toddler & Bedtime

Have you ever watched the show Supernanny? It comes on the In Style network on cable. She has the best technique I have ever seen. It will take a few hours for about two nights. What she has the parent do is thier regular routine at bedtime, brush teeth get on pajamas, a bedtime story kiss goodnight and a hug. You place the child in the bed and you can sit on a chair or the floor with your head down not facing the bed. The trick is you don't have anymore conact verbally. Everytime the child gets out of bed you simply pick him up and place him back in bed. This will be difficult because they are going to tug at your heart strings, but trust me you have to do it or it will never work. It may take an hour or 4 hours, but you must stick with it. Just keep placing him back in the bed no matter how much they scream and cry, they will eventually wear down. You must have faith, you must be strong and be confident that you can accomplish this. It is better for you and the child in the long run. Remember the key is not to say ANYTHING and no eye contact. DON'T get angry or frustrated. It will work. IF you stick to it. It might only take one night, but prepare for more. You can do it! I know it probably sounds cruel but trust me they will get over it and they will be so much happier when they get used to thier new big bed. You are helping them just as much as yourself. It is for their own good. You have to be strong. Just keep placing him back in his bed as calmly as possible. NO TALKING, this is the only way it will work. I am sorry to keep going on and on about it. I just want you to have the confidence and don't feel like a bad parent, it will make you feel guilty. Trust me it is for the best.

I agree with the supernanny advice. I went thru the same thing with my 2.5 yera old. He woudl scream and cryu just like your son.
So I did the super nanny thing. I put him in bed.and walk out of the room. He would get up, get out of bed, and walk out the door. I stayed in the hallway, turned him around, held his hand,and put him back in bed. This went on for 1.5 hours.....yep it was hard. But, it kinda got funny cuz once he saw me in the hallway....he would turn around by himself, and walk back to bed by himself. Basicly....he owuld put himself back to bed. once he was in bed for good....I barricaded him in the room. during this whole thing I gave him NO eye contact, no conversation, etc.

He now stays in bed all night no problem. I also suggest putting some books in his bed, and saying "you can read your books but you have to stay in bed". repeat, repeat, repeat. My son often wakes up in the morning and i hear him on the baby monitor reading.

That is awesome that he still naps....my son does not. I haven't really pushed him to nap.....it just isn't a battle I want to fight.
good luck

Try removing the night light. It worked wonders for us. My doctor said they need complete darkness.

Ms. R., if you think about it, when your little one was in the "crib" it is not very big or wide, now he is in a double bed. He might be okay when you and daddy are with him, but probably feels intimidated when you leave.. My suggestion (only my opinion) would be to get a small toddler bed put it next to the double bed. When you and daddy are reading him his stories you all lay in the double bed, but before you leave the room, tuck him into his little boy bed.. I think he would feel more secure.