Trouble getting 8 year old to sleep in her own bed

[AmandaBivins]

How do I get my 8 year old to sleep in her own bed?  We have been working on this for months and sometimes she does ok and others it feels like I get no sleep.  She has slept with me her whole life.  My mom died10 days after she was born and I just needed her close. Now I feel like I messed her up because she is having such trouble adjusting. I've tried everything and nothing seems to completely work. Even if I get her to sleep easily, she wakes up at least once a night crying. What can I do?

[margypops]

I am sorry you lost your mom like that its tough isnt it, heres the word   'consistancy' you read her some strories, you take her to bed, you have told her its time she slept in her own bed, then you leave the room, she will come out and you send her quietly back, over and over, 'consistancy' remember, do not yell back be firm and quiet, you may have a few rough nights but she will get it ,if you relent you are sending the message that you do not ,ean it.Stick it out it works .Good luck

[JSMom315]

Hi,
I am not sure I have much to offer but support.  My almost four y.o. crawls into bed with us every night and whenever my husband is away (very frequent) I find it quite convenient to read books and fall asleep.  I know this isn't good for the long haul, so I will continue to try the method (as I have before) that marygpops recommended.  We will have our second child next spring so it is even more important to try and nip this.
Good luck!