Members' Tips: Getting Kids To Sleep Alone
 Parents
need their sleep just like little ones do, but what happens when your
child won't sleep in their own bed? There ought to come a time when you
stop being a comfort blanket.
Common scents
'Try putting something that smells of mum, such
as a jumper, in bed with the child when they start in a proper bed. Also,
maybe a night light or hall light could be left on so that the child doesn't
get scared of the dark.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member TWoodford
Is co-sleeping always a problem?
'I have always allowed my daughter to sleep in
my bed. At the age of 3 she asked for her own room, but still came to
our bed most nights. It gradually decreased and now she hates having to
sleep in our bed. The thing was, everyone was telling us that we were
making a rod for our own back. We never made any fuss about her sleeping
with us, and if she does come to the bed (happens about once every 3 months),
she is allowed in, no questions asked.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member madpiano
And when you feel enough is enough...
'Just keep putting him back into his bed
and try and ignore the tears. I probably seem like a hard mum, but I'm
very strict about bedtime routine. I like my bed space too much. He will
soon settle back into his routine.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member TWoodford
'You could try a star chart; make one for your
child and let him make one for you. You both get a star for staying in
your own beds for the night with a small treat for you both at the end
of the week. Making into a game may appeal to him. '
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member pollylolly
'I remember my son going through a phase a little
like this when he was about 7. He didn't come in to us during the night
but, at bedtime, would plead to be allowed to sleep in our bed. He felt
very left out because Daddy and I slept together but he was on his own.
Sharing our bed was NOT an option, so we just had to persevere and things
got better eventually. I felt quite sorry for him because I thought he
had a good point - if adults like company why shouldn't kids? Just kept
on explaining that Mummies and Daddies slept together but children had
a bed of their own, and I made sure that I didn't weaken as I felt that
would have been the thin edge of the wedge.'
Thanks to Raisingkids' Member thewhitesides
Share your experiences
If you have good advice for getting children
to sleep all night in their own bed, please let us know!
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