My son is 5 and now that I am home when he gets ready to be dropped off he cries that he wants to stay with me. What do I do? He has also been sneaking into our bed while I am sleeping. My husband works nights so I know it's not while he's not home. I feel guilty by feeling comforted that he wants me but this cannot be healthy.
Due to the responses I decided to let him stay in our bed until he sleeps some nights then transfer him into his own. As far as the anxiety he has I will savor this time he wants me and let nature take it's course.
My 5 yo still comes into our bed when my husband is out of town. He just likes to be close to his Mama and I enjoy that because pretty soon he will not want to do that. I am sure the crying is a phase. He knows your home and he wants to be with you.
Why is it not healthy? He LOVES you. Is that not healthy? Kids go through phases of clingy and "I don't want anything to do with mom".
Don't feel guilty. If you cut off the comfort, it could tell him that when he wants his mom, he wont get mom when he emotionally needs you. Which you want that when he is older and if he gets in trouble or gets heart broken as a teen.
My 5 year old sneaks into bed with me too. I usually let him unless he is kicking or disturbing my sleep.
I don;t think his behavior sounds abnormal or unhealthy. I would certainly try and find quality time during the day of just you two to cuddle, talk, do homework, watch a movie on the couch together... take him grocery shopping and run errands with you then get ice cream.
He just wants to be with you. My daughter is like that. She'll be starting school and I know it will be hard for her. She still comes on our bed but I know the time will pass and she will go her own way. Keep loving and doing all the good you do. He is bonded with you and will soon understand that the love is still as strong even when you're apart. :)
Sounds like some separation anxiety for both of you. we all go through these times and phases. I would not get in the habit of him being in your bed but instead reassure him in his room. So if he comes in then maybe you walk him back to his bed and assure him all is okay and you love him and maybe say you will sit for 5 min then he needs to go to sleep....but only do that once a night . Then you need to be firm for him to go back to his room.
On the other issue, Something is making him feel scared without you. If your husband is gone alot it could be him missing your husband. It will get worse if you don't address the separation anxiety now... need to start playdates, babysitting or something to help adapt to you not being around all the time but that you always come back.
