Does that sound like your life?
If it does and you have chosen to have your child enjoy their own bedroom space, resist the temptation to have them share your bed. Even if they suddenly plead for it or you are past the exhaustion point.
There may be one night when you just cannot deal with their difficulty in settling down and you are considering the option of having them share your bed.
Resist!
You don’t realize it but one night will probably lead to many, and a situation that will negatively affect the whole family.
One night will likely lead to many and now you are trying to undo the damage.
Solutions:
1. Ideally do not allow them to share your bed, not even once.
2. If you already have, then have a discussion with your child during the day, not bedtime, and tell them they are returning to their own space so everyone can have all the rest and privacy they need and deserve.
3. Compliment them on their maturity. Remind them that the original reasons for sharing their parents’ bed no longer exist. They are strong and independent and need to have a good night’s sleep every day.
4. You may need to monitor their return to their own bed by sitting at their bedroom door for a few nights so they know you are serious about them remaining in their bed.
5. You can also place a safe barricade at the door, i.e. a chair, so they can not leave their room.
6. Do not close the door!
You will probably have to continue this practice for a few days to achieve the desired results.
Remember, you decided to have a separate space for your child because you really believe it was the best arrangement for them to be independent, confident, and responsible.
Equally, parents need their privacy and independence to nourish their special relationship together and be the most loving and effective parents they can be. Good luck!
