Helping Your Child Sleep in their Own Beds

Training your child to sleep in their bed for the first time is a difficult task. Our kids always need to feel secured at all times and even most especially during bedtime. With our presence, they will always have a goodnight sleep so that they could perform well for the activities the next day.

However letting our kids sleep with us is not recommended. We have to teach them to be independent and letting them sleep away from us is one of the best ways of teaching independence. Our kids will also grow in character as they start to brave the night alone as they deal with their fears. This is a little bit too much for our children but the hardest thing actually is just the first time. When your kids are in their beds, you and you partner will have privacy in bed as well as a good night sleep as your kids will not bother you while you are in deep slumber.

To help your kids be comfortable in transferring to their bed, explain to them carefully why they have to do it. They will surely not like the idea at first but with careful consideration, they will eventually understand it. To encourage your kids to sleep in their bedroom, decorate their room according to their preferences. It would be a great activity for you and your kids as they select the wallpaper; decorate their room with their toys and if you don’t have one yet, select the bed they will be comfortable to sleep in.

If your kids really wanted to stay with you for the night, consider the slow adaptation technique. Instead of placing them in their bed immediately, slowly separate your kids from your bed by letting them sleep a little bit far from where you sleep. You can let them sleep in the floor of your bedroom first and then slowly placing their temporary beds far from you. Eventually, they will find themselves sleeping alone in their room.

Bedtime ritual will also help your kids adjust well in sleeping alone. They will feel secured as their parents will tuck them to bed. Have a quick personal activity that you can do to your kids so that they will even feel closer to you. Read them a book, talk to them about school, or rub their back or anything that will make them feel at ease when you leave the room. Do not forget to assure them that you are just on your room in case they need something in the middle of the night. It is also important to check on your kids once in a while during the first week or two to ensure that they are sleeping soundly. You can share this responsibility with your other half so that none of you will have sleepless nights.

Lastly, never forget to praise your kids when they are able to sleep soundly for the night. This will greatly encourage them and would eventually be comfortable with this situation.