Sleep! - Westchester,IL

It sounds like this wasn't a problem prior to him getting sick, is that right? How old is he?

If it were me, I would just put him down as usual (4 hours of reading to him or whatever is waaaaaay too long). Let him cry, for as long as he likes, and as often as he needs to. As a parent we all know the difference between a cry that means there's a problem and the one that is them just complaining. If he wakes up and decides to cry until morning, let him. At least you know he has a good chance of going down for a good nap and probably won't have the energy for as much crying later that evening.

This is really a control issue, especially if this is an older child. He is trying to control where he sleeps and dictate the terms of it.

I personally tend to be pretty strict and tough about these phases with my kids, but if you feel there is a better way of initiating this, then do it in stages, but the important thing is to set a boundary and stick to it with him.

Good Luck!

I agree with Chuck. It's become a bad habit. I would set up a much shorter night time routine and then say goodnight, close the door. then stand by his door and when he comes out march him back to bed and say good night again. Keep doing it until he stays and falls asleep. It should take about 5 days and he'll stay. Same goes for night time waking. I would do the same exact thing. You may loose some sleep for a few days but it's better than allowing the cosleeping to continue and not having a good night sleep for a long long time. Good luck.
Ella

Try and put his matress in your room. And ease his way back into his own room. It could be too quiet in his own room, when he is used to your night noises and such?!

Hi A.!
I just went through this with my daughter. She would get so upset she would make herself sick. Ofcourse I would give in but then the only one sleeping was her and my husband and I were beyond tired. Finally, my husband took over and when it came time for bed he just picked her up, I gave her a hug and kiss and off they went. When she got up in the middle of the night He picked up again and took her back. The first time he kissed her and said I love you (again) the second not a word, just put her back in bed. He did this for two nights and we haven't had a problem again (knock on wood). I'm fairly certain she knew Mommy would give in but as soon as Daddy got involved it was a different story. I guess what I'm suggesting is have your partner give it a try and maybe it will go a little smoother.
Good Luck! and Happy Sleeping!