Q:
My 3½-year-old son starting telling my husband and me that he doesn’t like his room anymore and wants to sleep in ours. After we said, “No,” he started sleeping on his bedroom floor.
Now he cries at night, says there’s a monster under his dresser, and wakes up and crawls in bed with me. Since he has never wanted to sleep with us before, is this normal for his age? How can I stop him from doing it?
A:
Yes, Erin, it’s normal for children this age to start wanting to sleep with their parents. Usually they talk about monsters and other fears, but it’s all about not wanting to separate from mom and dad at night.
Here is a tip you might want to try. If you’re satisfied that you and your husband spend enough time with your son during the day, be firm that bedtime is a time to be in bed. Always return your son to his room at night.
If he continues to leave his room, warn him that you will close his door the next time he does it. If you do so, hold the handle shut for a minute so he gets the idea that you’re serious. Then open the door and tell him if he stays in his bed, you can leave the door open. This works with some children.
Kenneth N. Condrell Ph.D Child Psychologist
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.
