sleep problems 6 year old

     My 6 yr old son has never been a good sleeper.  We have never been able to teach him.  Every time I try something we always go back to the same old way.  That way isn't working.  My husband and I take turns laying down w/ him in his bed every night to get him to sleep.  Then he wakes us up 1-2 times a night.  Almost everynight.  So one of us gets up and lays back down w/ him in his bed.  After he is sleeping then we go back to our bed.  We both work and this is really taking a toll on us.  I would really appreciate some ideas!!!!!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

For this situation to change, you are going to have to bite the bullet. In a sense, your son plays a minor role in the change. It is you and your husband who have to do things differently. You already know that what you are doing is not helpful. So, recognizing that reality, it's time to stop doing it. Take charge of the situation; you're the parents. Set a firm limit that your son is to remain in his own bed; stick with the limit. You've been inconsistent in your approach, and in the process you've 'taught' your son that he can sleep with you. You've got to undo that lesson and make clear, by your behavior (as well as your words) that he is to stay in his bed. If he comes to you during the night, return him to his bed, regardless of his reaction. There's no ned for you to lie down with him as he falls asleep. You're teaching him that he needs you in order to fall asleep. Read him a story, say goodnight, then leave him to fall asleep on his own. If you are strict about this you'll see pretty rapid change. You've created this situation; that's the bad news. The good news is that you can make it better pretty quiickly. But, in order to do so, you've got to be serious about the commitment.

[trins mom]

Thank you so much for your feedback.  I really do appreciate it very much. Yes, we will bite the bullet on this one.  I know what we are doing isn't the right way.  I'm sure we are going to have some tears.  We will get thru that though.  Other than the sleeping you couldn't ask for a better child.  Any way Thank You again!!  I'll let you know when were doing better.  Trins mom

[e78772]

A related discussion, sleep problems 6 year old was started.

[sandy0312]

A related discussion, how to get a 6yr. old to stop sleeping with his parents was started.