Sleeping Problems

[pumpkin994]

Hello All,
I am looking for a bit of advice.
I have two kids ages 6 and 3, and lately I have been having trouble with bed times.

My 6 yr old goes to bed at 8:00 and generally sleeps through the night. Going to sleep is another story. He lays there awake(and I know he is tired) as says he cant sleep. I tell him just to lay there quietly and he will fall asleep, but this doesn't seem to work. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can help him sleep.

Also my 3 year comes into our bed almost every night adn wants to sleep with us. Any ideas on how I can make him stay in his own bed. We usually take back to his bed when he comes in but he just keeps coming in.
It is hard to keep getting up and putting him back to bed, just get too tired,.

Thanks
Pumpkin994:o

[Angie L]

I can't really give you any advice as I have the same problem with my 6 year old We put him in bed at 8:30 and he will stay in his bed awake until at least 9:30. I also know he is tired I just hope it is a stage and will get over soon. I justt thought I would let you know you are not alone.

[AnnW]

Is your oldest one upset that he is not falling right to sleep and complaining? If not, and he is willing to lay quietly till he does, what's the big deal? He is still getting his rest. If he is cranky in the am, that's different. My dd has a hard time falling asleep..she would rather go to bed at midnight and sleep till 11! I just help her understand that this is why she is tired in the am, and I also just get her up anyway! LOL

Maybe have a reward chart for your younger one?

[Sasha Rowan]

I tell my 5 yr. ds to lay in bed and make up a story to tell me in the morning. He's asked if he could stay up all night and I say sure, but you have to stay in your bed and be quiet. He's usually out pretty quick. Don't make falling asleep the issue, just staying in bed. If he doesn't worry about falling asleep, he'll usually go to sleep faster.

As for the 3 yr. old, have you tried a gate on his door? That what we had to do with ds1. He was almost 3 and still coming in with us. I put my foot down when he pushed me out of bed because he didn't have enough room lol. We gated him in his room and when he cried, go tuck him back in. No talking, just say "It's sleep time, good night, I love you." put him in bed and leave. Repeat as necessary. 3 is old enough to understand. A week should do it.

Welcome to IB.