having trouble sleeping in their beds

[Charlene]

I have a three year old nephew and also a five year old niece. Their moms don't know why they won't sleep in their beds in their bedroom. They would lay with the kids until they fall sleep, then they would leave.

My nephew has always been like this infact he was so afraid off his room, but they just moved from the apartment too a house and they bought him a t.v for his room and that doesn't seem to be working. My niece she would go to sleep okay but in the middle of the night she would scream and her mom has to sleep with her to get any sleep. Infact there is somebody else who has the same problem?

Would anybody have any ideas to this problem.
thanks

[PamE]

This is an idea I've heard. It takes time to accomplish but there is an end. :) First, instead of laying with the child, sit in a chair beside their bed until they fall asleep. After a couple of days of that move the chair halfway to the door and sit there till they're asleep. Then move the chair to just outside the door. Keep moving further away. The idea is that the children will get used to the idea that Mom is still available even if she's not right there in bed with them.

Bedtime/sleep troubles are so discouraging and not always easy to solve. Hope your niece and nephew are soon sleeping soundly on their own. :)