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Re: 28 month old won't stay in bed

Posted by Stephanie on February 15, 2001 at 17:27:27:

In Reply to: 28 month old won't stay in bed posted by Marla on February 15, 2001 at 06:17:24:

Could it be possible that your child is not ready to go to preschool at this point? Separating from his parents AND having a new sibling in the family is the perfect recipie for separation anxiety. Some children are just not ready to separate from their parents at this age, and even if they seem "fine" at school, they may express anxiety when they are home. Also, no matter how you explain it, your child is not going to understand "you need to stay in bed because______" at 28mos. old. They just do not have the cognitive ability to grasp this abstract concept. 2yos are very "immediate" in their thinking and do not understand the concept of "tomorrow" or even "later". Leaving your son to cry behind a door or gate is not going to help and may make the situation worse.

Why not try a compromise? How about keeping a sleeping bag or blanket under your bed and let him sleep on the floor in your room if he gets up at night? This way he gets the security of being near you, and everyone gets more sleep without turning this into a battle of wills for no reason. He is just a little boy who doesn't want to be alone at night. This is totally normal. Making it into a big deal can cause more problems down the road. If you give him what he needs now, he will grow out of this phase much more quickly.

Stephanie, mom to 4 boys and a princess!


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Archived Infant Sleep Forum3 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Infant Forum Homepage.
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