Child Sleeping in My Bed

He may be old enough to fall for something like the "big boy bed fairy"... try talking to him about how important it is to sleep in his own bed all night since he is "big boy" now and make up some story about how this fairy comes to certain children and leaves a surprise when they stay in their bed all night. This worked for me when my daughter was getting out and coming in our room. The first night the fairy left her a little toy (I think it was a rubber frog?) then on and off we did this for a few weeks - stickers, etc. The other thing that helped us is to tell him sleeping in your bed is "all done" and that if he comes in you will walk him back to his room EVERY TIME. If he knows this will happen he wont keep coming back for long. I know its hard at 2 am, but consistently walk him back - tuck him in again - try not to linger. He will test you - he might get out 10 times the first night - just walk him back every time - the next night might be 5 times, and it should not last long. Good luck!

We did that with our son. It worked for me maybe it will work for you. We put our son in his bed at bedtime, read to him and stay there rubbing his back until he fell asleep. Usually he would fall asleep within 10 mins. If he woke up in the night trying to come into our bed we would walk him to his bed, rub his back until he fell asleep and then leave. After about a week he would want to sleep in his own bed on his own accord. Hope it helps. S. B.

Hello,

Our four year old was in our bed regularly until a few weeks ago. We decided it was time as I am newly pregnant and did not want to have to have him sent on his way by the baby and create hard feelings...so, we needed to move fast.

We bought him a new big boy bed, new sheets, and completely rearranged his room big boy style and just made it a big celebration. The first two night were still tough with tears flowing, but he settled down and would wake up (from his own bed)...saying "Are you proud of me? I am proud of me..."

I am not sure what my advice is, but maybe focus on the positive! GOOD LUCK!!

Hi, my daughter is 3 years old and doing the same thing. My husband has a problem with it as she kicks him while she is sleeping. I, on the other hand, love it when she sleeps with us. I figure there is going to be a time when she doesn't want to be around us much at all so I'll take what I can get. I hope you find a solution soon though...my husband and I haven't had our own quiet time in...years.
Best of luck
C.

Ha, Ha....I'm still trying to get mine out of my bed and he is now 11....good luck...let me know if you get something that works....Actually, it does get easier...you might have to let him cry it out. There is a book called, "How to Solve Your Childs Sleep Problems." It takes a couple of nights....mostly of crying....if you all can stand it...it does work. good luck

K.

Each night that you put him to sleep lay down with him in his own bed let him fall asleep with you in his bed . You can read a book or tell stories create a soothing fun bedtime routine . it may take time but if you are consistent and firm he will get the message . If he wakes in the middle of the night and crawls back in with you put him back in his own bed . I have a 4 month old daughter who sleeps through the night in her own crib . She goes to bed at 9 pm and sleeps til 6 or 7 am . If his nap times are long during the day try cutting them down a little . my daughter only sleeps about 45 minutes 3 times during the day because I am always on the go or busy in and out of the house .I have an 11 year old son also . Make bedtime routine special and make his room inviting and a place he wants to sleep . If worse comes to worse let him cry a little . He will learn to self sooth . Do not worry about the crying he will be fine it should only take a couple weeks for you to introduce him to his new environment at bedtime if you are consistent and firm . It may take patience but in the long run . You get your marriage bed back and alone time with our husband that in and of itself is priceless . Good Luck . M. M

It sounds like you have quite a house-full, so this may not be practical, but I know of know other way. You have to dig your heals in and put him to bed in his bed, and keep putting him there whenever he comes back to you! It really shouldn't take that long to break him and think of the wonderful sleep you'll get with no child in your bed!! The other thing I've done when we moved to a new house and my 4 year old was scared was make a bed for her on the floor of my room. She could come tell me she was there then climb into her own bed, but she was not allowed in mine. I had a friend who was still sleeping with her son at 7 because she didn't nip it in the bud! This is so not fun, but it will be worth it in the long run! Good luck and happy holidays!