getting 6 year old to sleep in own bed

[bjwaight]

Our 6 year old is having trouble sleeping in his own bed.  He has an older brother who is 10 that he usually sleeps with, but he will be starting middle school and we aren't wanting him to have to have his little brother still sleeping with him.  Right now, when we do try to put him in his own bed, he will just stay awake.  Any small sound or worry will keep him up.  He has a stuffed animal that he sleeps with and sometimes we put our puppy in the room with him to make him feel better.  After about 30 minutes he usually begins to cry loudly.  We have tried sleeping in the room or sitting in the room, but he just lays there because he knows that we are going to get up and go to our own bed.  I work nights, so it is making this a little more difficult.  Do you have any suggetions on how we can transition smoothly?

[margypops]

Not certain about the smoothly, but here goes, I do know it doesnt take too long if you are consistant and I do know how heart rending it is to hear them cry and sense they are lonely. ,you make a decision with your husband which night you are going to go for it, maybe one when you are not at work the next day, you say own bed is that also own room? anyway, you talk to him in that evening and you say tonight you are going to sleep in your own Bed like the big boys do, and (name the Brother) does, dont make an issue of it say it then pass on, when it gets to bedtime ,take him to his bed and read some stories to him, tuck him in, dont discuss it, say goodnight and leave the room, you may get yelling and all kinds of stuff to pull on your heart strings but be consistant if he leaves the bed take him back and repeat all you did no words just action, if he does try to get in brothers bed Brother has gently to do the same,once he gets used to the idea thats the way its going to be he will accept it. it usually takes a few nights.and you will be worn out!!LOL