Can anyone suggest a way to get my 4 year old used to sleeping alone?

Question

When my husband and I divorced...my son and I had to move into a one bedroom apartment. We share a room, but have our own beds. In the beginning he was going through seperation anxiety so I let him sleep with me for a while (maybe not the best choice)...but he is fine now. Only problem is...he WILL NOT sleep in his bed. Any tips??

Answer 1

Try moving his bed right next to yours. That way he knows he is in his own bed but you are right by his side. Eventually move it away a little bit at a time until he is comfortable enough to be completely on his own.

Answer 2

I am sorry about your divorce. It must be hard to raise your baby alone now. I hope Daddy is still in his life. I can tell you what worked for me and my son.
First, instead of him sleeping with me in the bed, I would make him a bed on the floor next to my bed. I let him sleep there for one week.
The next week, I would make him a bed near my bedroom door. I would do that for one week.
The next week, I would make him a bed near his bedroom door. Did that for another week.
Finally, the next step was to sleep in his bed. Never had a problem after that.

Answer 3

All of the above are good answers.
I would like to add a few things.
1. Both of you go to sleep in your bed, but move him to his own bed, once he is asleep
2. Both of you go to bed in his bed, but once he falls asleep, move to your own bed.
3. Every once in a while, like possibly on the weekends, for nap, allow him to sleep with you in your bed, as a special treat, if he wants.

Make sure that he has "specials" stuffies, blankets, sheets, etc... in his bed, and do not allow him to bring any of these into your bed.
Make sure that he has enough light in his room & in the house, in general, that he can get up & go to the bathroom/get a drink without getting hurt. (I use the LED nightlights).
The key is to make him want to sleep in his own bed.
Good luck!

Answer 4

lay with him for a week or so then lay on the floor until he falls asleep then after awile stand outside of the door. until he goes to sleep make sure you put him back in bed right away if he gets out of bed. PUT A BIG BLACK LIGHT IN HIS ROOM its not too bright but just bright enough that he can see everything but dark enought he can sleep very well. just keep the routine going after used to not being in bed with him after that. Even when he throws tratums or crys. U have make him stay in bed just keep putting him back in bed everytime he gets out and DONT FOGET TO MAKE A SHEDUAL BED TIME AND ROUTINE. my 4yr old gets ready for bed about 8 and in the bed about 9 (Ex. bed time snack Pjs on then bath brush teeth then gets in bed
you could also try classical music in his room to sooth him to sleep after all the routine stuff is done and he is laying in bed. Read him a book before he goes to sleep.
GOOD LUCK

Answer 5

unfavorable twos are called that for a reason! 2 year olds are dealing with all teenagers of changes at this age. basically proceed with the unique exercises you have earlier familiar. This shall we her be responsive to which you ought to maintain issues as favourite as a hazard. She could choose much less sleep at this factor in her existence, so attempt to regulate the daylight hours naps basically a splash. attempt increasing her interest point approximately an hour in the previous mattress at night. Then end off with a heat bath, a narrative and a few quiet time. If she wakes up at 4, permit her cry it out back. you may could desire to plug your ears for quite a few nights, yet she will at last comprehend it rather is an element of her ordinary - to bypass to sleep and stay asleep. even nevertheless she has delays, i could attempt conversing to her approximately it. perhaps attempt some basic reward device for going to mattress and staying quiet in her mattress. The track thought is likewise good. perhaps play some gentle lullaby dvd for her to hearken to mutually as she drifts off. elevating toddlers is one in each and every of those undertaking. and that they do no longer contain a handbook. desire those thoughts help. appropriate needs.

Answer 6

WHAT WE DID WAS HAD MY DAUGHTERS BED OUT IN THE STORAGE ROOM FOR ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE WE SET IT UP AND EVERY TIME WE WOULD GO IN THERE I WOULD SAY LOOK THERES YOUR BED!!!.......AND HER EYES WOULD WIDEN IN AMAZEMENT AS IF SHE WAS VERY ANXIOUS TO SLEEP IN HER OWN BED

and she would ask if we could set up her own bed...so we did....and shes been sleeping in it ever since........ when she would wake up in her own bed i would make a bid deal out of it and i think that is what really worked!!


.good luck!!!!!!


.

Answer 7

Try buying Spiderman sheets and blanket (or whatever tickles his fancy). Make a big deal about him having his own bed that fits his interest in whatever character you 2 decide on. And be stern.

Answer 8

I hate to admit it, but I had a special blanket XD
Perhaps he's afraid of the dark (if you sleep with lights off), a night lamp?

Answer 9

all of the above are great plans. I only add, to maybe throw in a big pillow, like a charactor pillow he could snuggle with, or a body pillow.

maybe add some background noise, like soft music, or something.

patience and consistency to whatever plan of action you decide to take. it will take time. don't give up.

Answer 10

put him to sleep in his bed when he gets up put him back until he falls alseep in his own bed