Sleeping in his own bed!

Dear Marilyn:

How can I get my 4 year old to sleep in his own bed?

[Marilyn Padget]

If your son is use to sleeping with you chances are that he is not too happy if you put him in his own bed. It is important that you understand why this transition is so hard for him. When he sleeps with you he feels secure, safe and loved. If you understand this then you will understand that he has to feel the same when he is in his own bed. Like weaning from a bottle, it will take some time and some patience on your part. Make sure he has things around him that he favors, a special blanket, stuffed animal, etc. A picture of you will also help so he can look at you. For the first few nights when you put him in his own bed, lay with him and soothe him until he falls asleep. If he wakes up during the night and climbs into bed with you that is okay, you want to turn this around gradually. If you do this consistently, night after night, he will learn to stay in his own bed without fear and without you.
Marilyn