My eight year old son Matthew has been having trouble getting to sleep and staying in his own bed lately. My husband works nights, and the nights he is off, Matthew goes to bed and stays there-no problem whatsoever!. The other nights of the week when it's just me is another story. He begs for a later bedtime, and to sleep with me. He keeps coming into my room and waking me up (and I have trouble falling asleep in the first place, so this is a problem for me-it can take me an hour to fall back to sleep.) I tuck him in every night, rub his back, talk to him about his day, put on a Beatles cd, and sing to him . He knows I'm right down the hall, I leave the hall light on, etc. He's not having any problems at school or anything. He is still upset over our cat's death last fall, though We have adopted two cats, whom he loves dearly. I'm sorry to ramble, but again, I did not sleep well last night! When he comes into my room after tucking him in, I give him a hug, tell him I love him and I'll see him in the morning and send him back to his bed. (unless of course he's sick). I don't know what else to do.
If he is really upset about something, I will let him stay with me, but that is difficult as well. He is SUCH a fidgety sleeper, and kicks me continually (while he's asleep). so I don't get much sleep then, either....
I posted about this on another message board where I'm a member, and received responses ranging from "lock your door" "get tough with him" "take away privileges if he gets out of bed." "why don't you serve him snacks in bed if he's upset and stay home from school (sarcastic ). I'm regretting posting the question there. I don't think I should punish him for having trouble sleeping!
Thanks,
Sherry
Please-any advice!
Thanks,
Sherry