6 year olds obsessive bedtime rituals

[papato3]

My 6 year old son has always been a poor sleeper; up several times per night, always asking for one more thing, etc. We have been pretty strict and have not put up with or encouraged the behavior. We have been through numerous punishment and reward scenarios to try and deal with it. While bedtime has become something of a chore, it has also become somewhat more routine and he sleeps through most nights. However, he has developed a tendency to be very attached to rituals that seem weird. He needs music, he needs a fan, he needs several iterations of hugs, etc. He is now saying "I need to feel your beard scratch so I can remember you while I am trying to sleep". He sounds obsessive compulsive to me. I am worried. What's normal? What are the limits? He responds very poorly to discipline, and only a little to rewards. He is very willful and yet I don't want to crush his uniqueness. How do we help him control his behavior?

[babygirl6152]

rituals are comforting- you are allowing him to soothe himself- just needs you for the beginning- I have to have a fan or white noise maker to hide outside noises- dogs barking- tv in the other room- when I am sleeping/ child sounds fine IMHO

[margypops]

I used to have to kiss my Mom goodnight 6 times every night if she forgot I would call her back,and  I yelled for everything, I havent ever had it labelled , and I think I grew up without anyone telling my parents I needed to be evaluated, especially school, Have also seen other children with rituals its as if it is part of being a child ,I agree with you about not crushing his uniqueness simply live with the foibles,it  is a new modern day thing to take ordinary childhood behaviors and make them into a disorder.