Sharing a bed with your child is one of the fastest ways put an end to rest and romance. It's hard to deny those tiny faces when they ask to sleep in your bed. However, be warned, starting down that slippery slope can create a habit that's hard to break. Reacquainting your child with their own bed can be a long process, but in the end the good night rest you will experience in your recently vacated bed will be well worth it.
Step 1
Choose a good time to tackle the bed switch. If you are currently potty training, planning a vacation or making arrangements for any other big changes you may want to wait. Too much change at one time can be overwhelming for small children.
Step 2
Discuss the need for change with your child in the afternoon. By talking about your expectations and giving reasons for the change, it will prepare your child for the transition.
Step 3
Institute a bedtime routine. According to Savvy Daddy, small children often suffer from separation anxiety, which is one reason they show up in your room. By getting them used to a routine, they will settle into a comfortable habit and will be more likely to stay in bed.
Step 4
Set up a sleeping bag and pillow on your child's floor and plan to spend at least two full nights there. It is important to stay the entire night, because your child will come looking for you if she wake up and you are not there. By being there each time she wakes up, you will assuage any feeling of anxiety she may have. When she wakes up, she will see you there and most likely go right back to sleep.
Step 5
Move from the floor after two or three nights to a chair near your child's bed. Stay until your child falls asleep but try not to talk or interact with him. You want to bore them to sleep with silence. Your presence will have a calming effect. Each night, move the chair farther and farther away until you are back in your own bedroom.
Step 6
Walk your child back to her own bed if they follow you and repeat until he stays in his room.
Step 7
Reinforce any positive improvement. Each morning reward your child for making it through the night with stickers or small toys. Children thrive on praise so if she did well during the night, tell her. If the night was not as smooth as you hoped, keep encouraging her and continue the transition.
Tips and Warnings
- Once you begin the transition, be consistent. Don't give in to your child's pleas for more time or allow him to sleep in your bed for any reason. Doing so will slow down the process and undo the hard work you have already done.
Things You'll Need
- Sleeping Bag
- Pillow
- Chair
- Stickers or small toys
