Sleeping at Night - Arlington,TX

We had that problem with my youngest. He did not sleep in our bed but shares a room with his older brother. We started playing music. That relaxes him and someone has to be in there for a little while with him but he doesn't notice as much when there is movement. I know some have told you to just put your foot down and tell them you are the mother. Yes you are but I know first hand that does not work on some kids at bed time. They need to feel secure. Try music. and I am not say classical either. Just what ever he likes to listen to. We started with having them listen to KLTY since it's good soothing music. Good luck and God bless!!!

Just keep putting him back. IMO this is non-negotiable. Be prepared for
many nights of hysterics, but you should do it. You need some time
to yourself.

Tell him he is a child... not an adult.
You are the Mom.
He has requirements.

Put a mattress on the floor of your room.
Have him sleep there.
Let him put stuffed animals there, a lovey, a flashlight in bed with him.
Tell him he's a big boy... and that is where he can be.

Have a DAILY routine for bed. Let him wind-down first. (it takes me about 1/2 hour to wind-down my kids before bed). VERBALLY instruct him... brush teeth, put on jammies after his bath, read to him, etc. Do the SAME routine with him every single night. Do not deviate.
Turn off everything.

Start being consistent. Show who is the Boss. You are his parent, not his buddy. Tell him directly, not in babyish reasons, that YOU are the parent and he is the child. He has rules.

If you don't start now... it will get worse.
He seems to need structure... and a "schedule" at night.
Big time.

all the best,
Susan

Sounds like you just need a routine tweak and it might take a few nights but you can get him to sleep by himself. I actually found a method that Super Nanny used that works. Take him to bed tell him good night, if he gets up explain that it is bed time and take him back to bed, if he gets up a 3rd time or anytime after just return him to bed without saying a word. He is old enough to understand and he will get it.

try a noise machine. possibly that will help soothe him and keep him asleep while you're watching a movie in a room close by.

watch the nanny shows, they do bedtime routines all the time.

We used a reward chart w/ our 3.5 year old. We made the board together, and set the rules together - so many stickers (one for each night of going to bed w/o me) and she got the reward.....