My 3 year old son used to be a great sleeper. He went to be fine and slept all night. He had nightmares a few months ago and since then we have struggled with him sleeping alone and staying in bed. He is no longer having nightmares, but will not sleep alone. Any advice...
Remember that a child's fears are real to them, even for adults, perception is reality. Try not to discount the validity of the fear. An angle night light or favorite toy put to bed with them to watch over them and protect them as they sleep may help.
HI. You are lucky that he was a great sleeper..my son never sleeps it seems like. (: But I would suggest that you talk to him about what bothers him. If you ask him why and tell him that there is nothing to worry about..maybe he will open up and talk about what is the issue. Kids are so smart and I am sure he has a reason. Also explain that all kids sleep in their own beds. Thats all I could suggest. Hope it helps.
Routine is so important. For my girls, I always made night time fun but structured so they knew what to expect. Basically, dinner time, play time, bath time (get into night clothes), snack time, brush teeth and go potty time, into bed and read a book time. I'd then give them a kiss and tell them I would come back in 15 minutes to check on them. (They'd have to stay in their beds, lights on, reading a book was ok). I'd check and most times, everyone was knocked out. If not, another kiss and I would come back to check on them in another 15. Once you get your son used to a routine, he'll be fine. Might be rough at first~he'll scream and cry but eventually, if you stand strong, he'll be just fine. Good luck!
Try finding a tape/CD of songs that make him feel safe and then play it while he's going to sleep. Leave the light on till you go to bed.
I agree with Anna D. I had to laugh because she has the exact same schedule as we do. We started it a year ago because my 2 year old got horrible night mares. Whom ever says kids do not have nightmares is wrong! It helped him that his older brother was there to "protect" him. But knowing that mommy was in the room to check up on him while he was sleeping really helped him out. Though some days he will still test me but stand firm and he will "crash". Good luck!
We have 7 children, and all of them have gone through stages like this. Currently, we have a 6 and a 4 year old who wake up and come to our room when they are scared. We have taught them to go into their sibling's beds to sleep or on the floor of a sibling's room. The main concern is sleeping alone. After about 5 or 6 years old, most of our children have stayed in their own beds for the duration. So, patience is the biggest help. I also try to make sure that the room is a good temperature-not too hot or cold, and that they don't eat right before bed. We find that gentle methods have been the most successful as we navigate through this sometimes frustrating stage: just kindly helping them to get back to sleep. We have also let them sleep in our room on the floor at times, or even in our bed if we were absolutely desperate! Good luck...
I have 2 suggestions, 1-try laying with him and when he's "tired" enough to go to sleep, leave the room. 2-go around the room and show him there's nothing scary in his room and put him to bed, you can tell him you'll wait outside his door if he needs you (Stay for about 10-15 mins). I've tried both with my 3 kids, one worked for one option, the other for the other option. I wish you the best. I'd like to add one thing...whatever you do, try your hardest NOT to let him sleep in your bed...I still have a child that comes to my bed at night. Good luck.
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