How to Get Older Children to Sleep in Their Own Beds

It may be a tough pill for a child to swallow, but he will need to sleep in his own bed at some point. Co-sleeping is necessary until five years of age to avoid separation anxiety that can be harmful to a child's development. However, co-sleeping can hamper children more than five years of age, stunting their desire to eventually grow independent and putting further strain on the parents. Whether it is reading a bedtime story, providing a night lamp, or leaving the door open, it is critical to stick to the routine without relenting when your child reacts with fear or anger.

Instructions

    • 1

      Speak to your child about sleeping on his own, projecting it as the grown-up thing to do. Have this discussion during the daytime and not just before bedtime. Avoid saying things such as, "It's time for you to sleep alone"; instead try saying, "Now that you're a grown up boy, wouldn't it be exciting to sleep in your own room?" If this idea fascinates your child, you're halfway there. If he resists, ask open-ended questions to get your child to open up about why he is not enthused by the idea. Listen to his explanation without interrupting with your own solutions. Analyze the reason behind the child's refusal and take action accordingly.

    • 2

      Decorate your child's room in a manner that makes him want to spend time there. Take him to the store and let him choose sheets, blankets, a pillow and other sleeping paraphernalia. This will help your child feel enthusiastic about sleeping alone.

    • 3

      Set up a new routine where you go with your child into his room and spend some time together reading a story or just talking. Hold his hand and tell him you'll stay there until he falls asleep. Follow this routine for a few days until he is comfortable with sleeping alone. Allow him to take his favorite toy to bed with him if it will make him feel secure. In the beginning stages, allow him to come and spend some time in your bed when he first wakes up in the morning. Praise him for having slept in his room the entire night.

    • 4

      Create an environment that is conducive to sleep. Children often have fears of the dark or hidden monsters. Take practical steps such as installing a night light, closing windows and giving your child a flashlight to use.

    • 5

      Set rules that allow for slight flexibility without caving in to your child's demands. For example, allow him to sleep with you if he's scared during a thunderstorm or if he's feeling upset as a result of losing a grandparent, moving to a new city or a number of other issues. Don't relent and allow sleeping with you on normal days because your child pleads to sleep with you for just one more night. This reassures the child you are not abandoning him, only expecting him to follow guidelines. As a result, he slowly shakes off the sense of insecurity and adapts to sleeping in his own bed.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How Should Parents Put Their Children to Sleep?
      Getting your child to sleep at a reasonable hour that allows him to have the recommended length of rest each night can feel like a losing battle. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adequate sleep is vital for your childs health, and children
    • How Does Sleep Affect Success at School?
      01 of 07 Attention Problems When a child has difficulty listening to detailed instructions or focusing on planned activities or is slow to react to a question, lack of sleep is often the culprit. It also inhibits time manageme
    • Night Terrors and Nightmares
          Night terrors and nightmares are different. Here are some ways to tell them apart and ideas for helping your child. Night terrors Night terrors happen during the first few hours of sleep, when your child is sleeping very deeply. One