I am newly married to an incredible woman and she has a 2 1/2 year old son who refuses to go to sleep without her laying next to her. She does not see this as a bad thing. Any advice you have will help.
2007-10-23 04:18:17 · 11 answers · asked by fearnthingil 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
It will get worse before it gets better but that shouldn't stop your wife. The best way I think to get him to sleep in his own bed is to first start with a routine, like reading him a book in his bed. Then I would say your "goodnights" and walk out and close the door. When and if he starts to cry, she should wait about 10 min then walk in. She can sing a song and rub his head and hair to make him feel comfortable. One thing I've noticed if I'm trying to calm my 2 1/2 yr old daughter down, is I will not make eye contact with her while I'm talking to her or rubbing her head. If she looks at me she will start to cry. Your wife's son needs to learn how to wake up and get back to sleep on his own. The only exception would be if their is a storm or something.
The key here is consistency, no matter how you handle it.
Good Luck!
2007-10-23 04:30:42 · answer #1 · answered by Jenn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a mommy, I love laying down with my kids as they drift to sleep...but it is not best in the long run. My latest trick is telling my kids (ages 2 1/2 and 5) that I have a chore I need to do real quick and that I'll be right there. They're usually asleep in 5-10 minutes after that. I also find a bedtime routine to be helpful. I also give the kids advance notice that it's almost bedtime, that they have 5 minutes to finish whatever they're doing. This has really cut down on the fights.
2007-10-23 11:41:07 · answer #2 · answered by casw1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try it with naps, or you can put him in his own bed and turn a tv or something on like a lil night light on, or you can put him in his room and just let him cry it out, or a last ditch effort lay him in his bed and have your wife lay next to him and then when he falls asleep or is starting to fall asleep she can leave. Once he realizes that he doesnt need mommy it will be a good thing. An give him praise for when he does sleep in his own bed so he feels like a big boy.
2007-10-23 11:31:46 · answer #3 · answered by JaimeC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will take a toll on your marriage. I had the same problem and have just recently corrected it. You have to tuck them in I usually talk about what she did at daycare that day and kiss her, tuck her in, and give her a stuffed animal to sleep with. I even set a sippy cup on her nightstand to deter her from coming out of her room for water. The child is going to cry. When he does come out of the room, pick him up and put him back in the bed. Do not stimulate him (ex: talk to him, rub his back, kiss on him, etc. ) Every time he comes out of the room, do the same thing. It is very hard, especially for mothers, but it does work. Eventually she started going to bed on her own. I think it took about a week or so. I should tell you, you might have a couple of restless nights so be prepared. I wish you the best of luck!
2007-10-23 11:36:12 · answer #4 · answered by nikki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe start at naps. But it is also is harder the longer you wait. I have a neice and nephew that as 6 still has to sleep with mom or dad to fall asleep. Now is the time to stop it before it gets that bad. My son loves me and is attached but when it comes to night you have to be firm with him.
2007-10-23 11:40:37 · answer #5 · answered by parentwife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no reason to be so mean... Jeez!
I used to just stay w/him until he fell asleep, all it takes is 15 minutes at the most.
You could offer a great reward for falling asleep alone? Maybe a cool toy or chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream?
He'll get it eventually, don't worry.
2007-10-23 11:31:41 · answer #6 · answered by Chloe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Set your watch or cell phone alarm for 15 minutes, and say that Mommy will stay that long, but then has to go do Mommy things.
When the alarm beeps, get up, give a kiss goodnight, say you will check on him/her later (and do), and exit.
There might be crying for a few nights but it will pass.
2007-10-23 11:31:03 · answer #7 · answered by Chipmaker Authentic 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My parents used to lock me in my room. I just wouldn't go to sleep! Maybe get a special toy or blanket?
2007-10-23 11:31:34 · answer #8 · answered by Bridget S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be honest - lay him down - shut the door and let him cry himself to sleep. It'll be tough - but if you don't give into this negative attention - you will get him to go to sleep on his own.
2007-10-23 11:26:40 · answer #9 · answered by aak 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Start with naps, then work your way to it, its bad habit to break, you may end up with a few sleepless nights to deal with it.
2007-10-23 11:25:46 · answer #10 · answered by krennao 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋