Photo: ~My aim is true~ / Flickr

You have read your child a story, switched on the night light, tucked in the teddy, left a glass of water on the bedside table, showered your child with hugs and kisses and yet you still get woken up in the middle of the night. Calm down, you are one of many families who suffer this problem with their children. Getting your child to sleep in their own bed is another transition in their growth and development and is often an obstacle that both the parent and child have to overcome.

Involve your child in decorating their room

The more proud your child is of their room, the more likely they are to sleep in it. A great way to include your child is to get them to choose some of the décor for their room. By choosing the theme, wall colour or even just the bedding, your child will feel more grown up and included in the decision-making process. Your child will also feel more comfortable in a room more suited to what they like.

Create a nightly bedtime routine

The time before sleeping can be really special for you and your child. Establish a routine which includes something that your child can look forward to. This can be anything from singing their favourite song with them to reading a story of their choice. Make bedtime fun. Keeping it consistent allows your child to adapt to the change quickly.

Establish bedtime rules and stick to them

Many parents make the mistake of giving in to their children. This teaches them that their behaviour will get a response. Saying no may be ten times harder after midnight, but the rules cannot be bent if you want successful results.

These steps are a great start to helping your child feel comfortable in their own space. Be creative and adapt them to suit your family. Your child may take a while to adjust, but they will gradually grow comfortable sleeping on their own.

Tags: children