Seeking Advice on Getting 3 1/2 Year Old Out of My Bed

We went through this with my step son at that age. When he turned 4 it was time for him to sleep in his big boy bed. My husband would lay with him until he went to sleep (and still has to now that he is 6). It has worked except that he still can't go to sleep in his own. You might not want to start that but my husband enjoys the alone time that they get to have before he falls asleep. Be consistent. If you let her sleep in your bed sometimes, she won't understand why she can't all of the time. She should sleep in her own bed, as well as get ready for bed, in her own room every night. Maybe have her help you pick out a new nightlight and new stuffed animal to sleep with. Make a big deal about it when she does a good job and give her lots of praise. Its tough but stick to your guns! Good luck.

Hello, This is what work for us. First at 2 1/2 yrs old, I was ready for him to move out. One night, I went to Wal-mart and bought a big Bob the Builder pillow "shaped like Bob". Looked like a doll. My son was not with me. When I got home, his sister and I showed him the doll . We explained that he would be sleeping with him. We told him that Bob didn't like to sleep in mom and dads bed. He liked to sleep in a big boy bed with him. At first he looked at him and then told me to take it back. We read "them" a story, tucked "them in . It worked. He is now 3 and doing great. Good luck.

When it is time for bed do everything in her room. Put her in her bed and read the story. You may have to lay down with her in her bed or room on the floor next to her until she goes to sloop. When she gets up in the night take her back to her room and stay with her until she falls asleep. Remember it takes 6 weeks to break a habbit.

I actually have the same problem, except my son wants me to sleep in his bed! (Fortunately, he is in a twin already) I have been looking for a "good night" book for this topic, to see if he would follow suit, but couldn't find one. So, I sat down and wrote my own good-night book, using his name, his favorite stuffed animal and "the big boy bed" as a catch phrase. He just loved it, and now he wants to do what he does in "his" book! It's all about how Jacob can sleep in his bed better alone because he has more room to go on "flying trips" in his dreams when Mommy doesn't sleep with him. (She's too big - get it?) I don't know if this helps - you can always just make up your own story and tell it to her at bedtime. It will take some time, though. She's gotten used to snuggly time with you. Good luck!

Hi A.,

First thing you need to do is explain to your daughter, in simple terms, that she is a big girl now and needs to be in her own bed, just as Mommy and Daddy have their own bed.

Once she knows that, the next time she comes into your bed, simple take her to her bed, tuck her in and leave. Do not say a word! Repeat the process EVERY time she comes in. She will cry, fuss and maybe scream, but just IGNORE it. SILENTLY take her to her bed EVERY time. It may take all night for a night or two, but she will get the message eventually. A few sleepless nights will be worth the peace and quite to come.

She has to know her boundaries! Be persistant and consistant. Don't let her run your bedroom. I hope this helps. (I am a mother of three and grandmother to 5. I've been there and done that!!) Good luck!