How to Get a Kid to Sleep in their Room

Young children often get into a bad habit of sleeping in mommy and daddy's room. Many times this means in the bed, between the parents. While this is fine if both parents agree to a family bed, most parents feel the child would be better off in his own bed. Bedtime battles can bring many tears for the child and the parents but there are gentle ways to encourage the child to sleep in his own bed.

Things You'll Need

  • Stories or Music on CD
  • Bunk Beds/Trundle Bed (optional)

Instructions

    • 1

      Offer to sleep in the child's room with him for a few nights. Be very clear about how many nights you will stay in there. For example, tell him, "I will sleep in your room for three nights. After three nights, I will sleep in my own bed, and you will sleep in your own bed." Each night, remind him of how many nights are left. Children do well when they have time to mentally prepare for a change.

    • 2

      Talk to your child about why he does not like sleeping in his own room, if he is old enough to verbalize his feelings. Listen to his concerns and try to help him work through them. Do not laugh off his concerns. While a complaint such as "I can hear crickets outside the window, and I'm afraid they are going to get me" sounds silly to an adult, this can be a very real fear for your child.

    • 3

      Consider moving your child into a different bedroom. If you have more than one child, a good option may be to put your children in the same room at night. Some kids just do not like to be alone. This does not mean either child needs to give up his or her own room, but they can sleep together at night. You could put bunk beds in one room, or a bed with a trundle underneath. A child who has a sibling to sleep with is less likely to try to sleep in between mom and daddy because he will not be lonely.

    • 4

      Play soft music in the bedroom. Soft music is relaxing and it also can block out noises that keep your child awake, such as cars driving by, dogs barking and crickets chirping. Another option is to play a CD with narrated children's stories. This gives the child something to focus on as he gets sleepy.

    • 5

      Leave the light on if it makes your child more comfortable. Eventually, as your child adjusts to being in his own room, you can downgrade to a bright lamp and then a softer lamp. Also make sure the path from his bedroom to yours is well lit and easy to maneuver at night.

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