Getting child to sleep in his own bed?

Question

Ok so about a year ago I got into the bad habit of letting my 4 yr old son sleep in my bed. Once I got rid of his crib and into a bed, he wouldn't stay in there. I would keep putting him back in there but once 11 pm came I would give up and let him sleep with me. So it has now been a year and and I need to get him into his own bed because now he refuses to go to sleep unless I do. Some nights he is up until 11. Its hard because I am a single mother, work full time and go to school 2 nights a week. He will be starting kindergarten in the fall and i know that this has to change. What can I do to get him to fall asleep in his own bed at an early time?

Answer 1

You need to start a bedtime ritual like reading a book, or sing him some special songs that he likes and make it a habit...the first few days will be hard because he wants to sleep with you but let him know that you are right there if he needs you and be firm about it. As for having him sleep earlier try having some play time after dinner and play games around 8 then from 8-8:30 have a wind down time where everything is calm (maybe put on some cartoons)...hope this is helpful

Answer 2

Make his bed extremely fun . Also play with him and say oh man I wish I had a bed like this ,this bed is so comfortable . Also say I want this room this is a cool room . Wish I had all these toys . Then say you can have mommies room and I will have your room . It is going to be so fun and you can not play in my room or in my bed . I'm talking about the little boys room still . Make him believe his room is the best . GOOD LUCK !!!!

Answer 3

you sound like me when my son was that aged, man I wished I didn't get my son use of sleeping with me, I just kept up picking him up and putting him in his bed. and at about 7 or 8 o'clock. put a night light in his room and leave the bedroom door open. and tell him that your right there and check up on him. once he knows your there he should be okay. good luck. be patient.