separation anxiety and night tears

We have 20-month-old twin girls. They are healthy , and full energy. We
are having a couple of problems. They don't sleep for the night , about
half the time and are showing some indications of night tears. Also , they
are going through the separation anxiety of children of this age. My big
question is, as anybody experienced these problems and have any suggestions
on minimizing these problems? I would be eternally grateful for any
information on this matter.

take care always

dill

As usual, I recommend the Ferber book. I also strongly recommend not
reinforcing the waking-up with staying long periods of time, making deals,
taking them into your bed, etc. I would go in each time they are fretting,
reassure them that all is well, give a pat, hug, kiss and tuck in and leave the
room. Do this as needed, and soon they will be reassured that they are safe
and secure, that they do not have to deal with the issues of "trying" to get
you to stay, etc. What you are really trying to do at this point in their
lives is to get them to learn to put themselves back to sleep when they awaken.
Grandmom Gwen
(therapist, mother of 3 grown kids, grandmother of 7, including 2 sets of
twins!)