Son of four won't sleep in bed

[NYParent]

Hi,

I was hoping for some advice. My Son, who is 4 years of age still sleeps in a crib. In every other way he really is very well developed - a well adjusted boy (considering divorce, etc.) But he refuses to accept that he has to move out of the crib.

Has anyone had an issue like this or does anyone have advice? He will be 5 soon and attending Kndergarten. If the other kids find out they may make fun of him.

I could go cold turkey but I've always discussed other transitions with him. I don't want to ruin the trust we have.

Please advise.

Thanks
Ed G

[crystele]

Sometimes you just have to take down the crib. You couch it as "you are 4. That is great, you'll be going to school and now you need to sleep in a bed. So on [X] day, the crib is going down and we'll give it to another baby who needs it."
It will still be traumatic to a degree but he'll survive it. Make sure you take him out to let him pick out new sheets/covers for his bed. My daughter was super excited to get a bed to put her new Care Bear sheets on and had only brief tears when the crib went down after that.
If he can't seem to get over it, you probably ought to mention to his doctor because something else may be going on.

[cuddlycutebaby]

you just need to give some good option like if you sleep in the bed then mumma give you a video game. or in another way you just tell that your brother/sister (if present) needed more than you.

[mum2mum]

Transition happens all the time when a child grows up. It may be weaning off the diaper, milk bottle, pacifier or even a crib for this instance. Sometimes, caring for the young becomes run-of-the-mill that we had forgotten our child will outgrow these equipment or gears.

Most of the time, it happens naturally but I would say many children are still holding on to things that they don't need. Take this as a learning point. Be aware that a child will outgrow every piece of baby thing at home.

I have a friend who still sleeps with her 8 and 5 year old son and hubby in the same room. Gosh!

I suggest you to shop with him for a bed at http://mumsafari.webs.com/forbabytoddler.htm#509460760. Let him choose and get excited about a new bed. Decorate his room with lot of kids craft like http://www.mumsafari.com/category/kids-art-craft. He will be likely to move to the bed.

Good luck!

[JACKEMAMA]

I'd like to suggest a site for you to check out...it helps me a lot when I'm looking for a variety of ideas..hope it helps!

http://www.theskinnyscoop.com/search/sleep?utm_campaign=theskinnyscoop&utm_medium=textlink&utm_source=parentingforum&utm_content=sleeping

[luvs2rit]

Keep in mind that part of trusting you is trusting that, as his mom, you will make good decisions for him. A good decision would include helping him learn that he can manage transitions well.

We do want to protect our children from all life's pains, but it isn't preparing them for life.

My suggestion would be to let him know that it's time for a new bed (you're not asking his permission...you're exerting your authority.) YOu will both go shopping for...something related to the bed...the bed itself, the sheets, blankets, or whatever he may find important. If he starts to get upset about the idea of the new bed, don't react too much to it. In a very calm manner, let him know that he can totally do this. (You're acting like you trust HIM to make the transition.)

Then set up the bed together in his room while his crib is still up. Let him know which day will be the big bed day. Put it on the calendar if you use one for the family.

When the day comes, again you're very positive and trusting he can do it. You're not going to baby him because he can do this. You act proud of him when he gets in his bed.

If it's a tough transition, leave the crib for a couple days after he starts sleeping in his room, then remove it.

The most important part of the transition, is your attitude toward him. I'm sure you've had this experience...your son falls down and looks at you right away before he reacts. If you act scared or upset, then he gets upset. If you are calm, his reaction isn't as big. This is the same situation. If you show him that you believe he can do this, he'll feel more confident. If you baby him, he'll feel scared and unsure of his ability to make the transition.

[mum2mum]

hello NYparent, how is it going? is your son still sleeping in a crib?

[maryjamison]

I guess the kid would sleep there if you would be having some good toddler beddings (http://incredibeds.com/toddler-beds.html) to put in the bed. Or if you can make up something out of it, try to put up something that would interest the kid in the room. For sure, you would be able to pull it off!