The fact is that small children don't sleep well. A minority of kids under 3 years old will sleep soundly through the night, allowing their parents to have a good rest. However, a majority of children over 3 do sleep beautifully - so hang in there for awhile longer! Meanwhile, Dr. Green has a sleep protocol that might work for you (see his book "Toddler Taming." It involves letting the child cry for a few minutes, then offering what he calls "Grade B Attention" - pick up, hug, hold till no longer crying loudly, put down. Then when the baby starts to cry again, wait 5 minutes longer than before and then repeat the grade B attention. Continue doing this, waiting 5 minutes more each time. My own twist on this is to consult with an aromatherapist for an appropriate dosage of an appropriate essential oil that has a gentle, calming and sedative effect for the child. When the child's nervous system is soothed and relaxed, any sleep protocol that the parent chooses to employ, will be better received.
Sarah Chana