2006-06-06 02:14:13 · 8 answers · asked by edrenil 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
first of all you have to be consistant. Tell him no more having mommy lay down with you. Tuck him in and leave the room. You will see the tears and screams, but it will go away.
My best friend just went through the same thing, and it worked great. BUt u must be consistant. No giving in. Once he sees that this is it...then it will be ok. good luck
2006-06-06 14:29:29 · answer #1 · answered by firemansgirl001 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you're in a big bind. He's gone too many years going to sleep with mom by his side. I drew the line when my son was 2 because I knew that the longer you do this the longer and frustrating it would be to stop doing this. The problem with your son is that he is no longer in his crib and he will easily climb out of his bed and walk over to your room. IT WON'T BE EASY but talk to him and tell him he's a big boy and almost starting school and that he's old enough to put himself to sleep. I don't know how well your son understands things but tell him you're VERY tired and want to go to sleep and relax, that you've been doing mommy chores ALL DAY LONG and you're beat! Try reading to him before you call it a night, that might relax him and make him sleepy. A night light also helps. It's gonna be tough and there might be some tears (maybe on both sides) but bare with it and in time it should kick in! Good luck!
2006-06-06 11:01:05 · answer #2 · answered by Wiser now 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two ways to get a child to sleep alone. One is called rapid return and is the 'cold turkey' way. You put your little boy to bed, read to him, sing a song and then leave him. At four he is old enough to understand so tell him this is what is going to happen and say if he stays in his bed in the morning he will get a sticker. Then every time he gets up you take him back to bed. You mustn't talk to him or make eye contact, just put him in bed and walk out. This can mean taking him back to bed 50 odd times but you mustn't give up. This is very draining but will work in about a week. The other way is the 'withdrawal method'. This time you put him to bed and sit beside him but you don't talk to him or look at him, if you want to you can start by having a hand on him. Then after a couple of nights you move further away and then further away again. It is important that you don't talk to him or communicate with him in any way. If he gets out of bed you just put him back in and go and sit down. Eventually you will be sitting outside the door and then down the hall. Again you can introduce a sticker chart for if he doesn't get out of bed. This way takes longer and doesn't necessarily mean there is no screaming as he will still want you to be close to him. It is all about control. Is your son in charge or you? I have used both these methods and they do work but they take time. If you try for two or three nights or even a week and then give up then it will be even harder next time. Find a friend who will support you. Who will tell you that you are a good mum even when you feel you are being cruel. And remember you want what is best for your little boy and learning to go to sleep with out you is just one of the steps he has to take. Good Luck!
2006-06-06 11:31:23 · answer #3 · answered by happyjumpyfrog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what you have to do is tell your son that he is a big boy and needs to sleep by himself. tell him that he needs to be a big boy and buy him a new cool night light or a special blanket or stuff animal. Then no matter how many times he cries or comes out put him back in the bed. tell him good night the first three times and then don't say anything to him just tuck him in. do this till he falls asleep and no matter what do not do not give in. ever. just stay firm and he will do well.
2006-06-06 10:09:14 · answer #4 · answered by littleluvkitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most kids need some comfort time at bedtime. if you don't want to lay with him, make sure you read him a story. give him a special stuffed animal that can be "you" so to speak. a night light helps too. kids just need to feel safe.
2006-06-06 09:18:46 · answer #5 · answered by iteach2change 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Age old question - the truth is, you will probably have to steel yourself for a night or two of total chaos (meltdown) while he gets used to sleeping by himself, and gets out of bed every couple of minutes. Probably best done on weekend nights.
2006-06-06 09:18:00 · answer #6 · answered by kentata 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you want to leave your son alone any special reasons
2006-06-06 09:21:27 · answer #7 · answered by akband 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you figure this one out, let me know - I have a 3 year old.
2006-06-06 09:23:53 · answer #8 · answered by Stacie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋