My 9 years old kid refuses to sleep alone in his own bed and insists to sleep with his younger.?

Question

I have two kids 9 and 8, they sleep in their room, each in his bed, but the old one refuses to sleep alone in his own bed and insists to sleep with his younger brother in the same bed, he says that he is afeard to sleep alone.

Answer 1

It's just a phase, it will defenately pass. Just slowly and surely urge him to sleep on his own bed, and give him positive reinforcement.

Answer 2

I don't really see a problem unless it is bothering your younger son. If it is a big issue or you feel like you really want it to stop then maybe you can help give him comfort by letting him watch a movie to fall asleep to and put the sleep timer on. Something that he has seen a dozen times so it doesn't distract him ( I have a few bed time movies that I watch when I cant sleep). If you are against the TV, maybe you could get him a pet that he can sleep with, like a dog or cat. If none of these suggestions are right for you, I would suggest talking to a professional, though I don't think it is that serious. People are always pushing children to be these independent adults when they are in fact stilll children. He will eventually want his on space, but he is stil young. I am 24 and I sometimes don't like sleeping by myself when my husband goes away.

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with children sleeping with their siblings. My daughter used to sleep with her two brothers and my husband would have a fit as she had her own room. I told him to be patient and sooner said than done, she started sleeping in her own room when she felt secure enough.
I feel that as parents, so many are trying to push independence on their children that they forget the children need to bond with their siblings first to realize that no matter how independent their are as adults, their siblings will always be there for them through thick and thin.

I have yet to see teen siblings sleeping in the same bed!

Answer 4

Nothing more then a phase he's going through my children did the same thing from time to time when they were younger. Maybe ask him what he might be afraid of? See if he knows, have you tried a night light in their room or maybe offer him a "special" stuffed animal as a security if he actually has fears. Some children develop emotionally slower then others, I wouldn't worry about it too much. He might be afraid something was going to happen to his younger sibling for some reason.

Answer 5

This is not healthy. Our goal as parents is to help facilitate our children in becoming healthy and mature adults. If you allow your child to sleep in a bed with another person, this can hinder their development especially at the ages of 9 and 8.

However; the fact that your child is afraid to sleep alone is an issue worth looking into and depending on its source can be dealt with in a couple of other ways.

Answer 6

And? Why is this a problem? If the other kid doesn't have issues with it then I think it is fine. Years ago whole families would share one bed. Even in my mother's childhood she shared a bed with her sister.

Answer 7

So let him sleep with his brother . I'm not sure what your asking . As long as the kids get along OK i cant see what the problem is.

Answer 8

Typical for young kids.....Just keep encouraging him until he develops the courage. But remember not to scare him or even whirl his imaginations at this time regarding spooky stuff

Answer 9

You need to put your foot down. It will not harm him. Just reassure him that his brother is right there, and all he needs to do is call if something bad happens, and you will be there. He may have had a nightmare that upset him. Be sure to find out wht he is afraid of, and reassure him.

Answer 10

thats understandable you seek comfort in people and feel more vulnerable when your alone i think yr kid is afraid of what will happen if hs alone. and thats not a phase..... it plagues many people for life.