While both parents and children may enjoy the cozy comfort that comes with sleeping in bed together, according to the Dr. Greene website, the practice can lead to difficulty transitioning to a child's own bed as he ages. While co-sleeping is not always a bad thing, your child should begin to sleep in his own bed between the ages of 2 and 3, states to the University of Michigan Health System.
Be Firm
If you have decided to teach your child to sleep in her own bed, stay on course. It will only confuse the child if you bring her into your bed at night after she throws a tantrum. According to the Dr. Greene site, this sets a bad precedent. The child will think that if she fusses enough, you will always allow her back into your bed. Make a commitment to consistency.
Discuss Fears
Many children have an underlying reason why they will not sleep in their own bed, according to Aware Parenting Institute. If your child frequently has sleep problems or seems traumatized by the thought of sleeping in his own bed, talk to him about why he fears it. Examples include fear of a "monster" in the closet, jealousy of a younger sibling or feelings of abandonment. Even if your child is not able to articulate why he is upset, attempting to open a dialogue and show you care about him can comfort him.
If your child does acknowledge what he is afraid of, give him an object to counteract the fear. Dr. Greene's site suggests a water spray bottle to ward off monsters, a stuffed animal to provide comfort or a flashlight that fights fear of the dark.
Help Your Child to Sleep
When your child wants to sleep in your bed, offer a compromise where you return to her bedroom and lie down with her or beside her until she falls asleep. This provides the comfort of you being near, yet teaches your child how to fall asleep in her own bed. Once she is asleep, quietly slip out of the room. Then gradually spend less and less time in your child's room as she becomes more comfortable sleeping in her own bed.
