7 Tips For Getting Kids To Sleep In Their Beds

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Mom fog brain?

Yep. Story of the life of so many moms. The mom fog brain. A cause of a complete lack of sleep and realistic functioning. When my babies were first born I wondered what I sounded like when I talked. It could not have been anything intelligent. It was as if I was moving from moment to moment forcing my brain into a level of deep thought that just wouldn’t happen.

Coffee. The fuel of my life, however the business of managing kids would leave it distant and cold only to have to be warmed up at least three times for 3 more sips. True story. Adapting to the sleep patterns of our kids often times leaves us in a mess of needing a nap every single day and the accomplishment of absolutely nothing in a single day. I must confess that at the end of some days you know that if your teeth are all brushed and dinner is on the table you have made great strides.

The mom fog seems to return when we are trying to get kids to sleep in their own bed. That whole lack of realistic functioning comes back in a whirlwind when we are struggling to just hit our pillow at night without a child. Now I am not saying co sleeping isn’t wonderful, but there are times when I just want to rest without a kid next to me doing gymnastics in their sleep.

Let’s face it. Our kids long to be with us 24/7. You moms can relate who can’t even go to the bathroom or make a phone call without kids needing something. So when it comes to getting them to sleep in their own bed we all know the daunting task that it can be. In this struggle and overcome of the mom fog brain we, in our best possible efforts, fight the good fight and give in. Only adding to the struggle of getting them in their own beds. It is guilt I know this but it is easy. Training a child to have some independence and sleep in their own bed can be tough. Here are 7 Tips For Getting Your Kids To Sleep In Their Beds that will get the ball rolling!

1. Consistency. This is such a key ingredient to overcoming the struggle. Use the same process for bed every night so kids know what to expect. Brush your teeth, bath, bedtime story, and tucked in bed. This may be rough at first but believe me the kiddos catch on quick.

2. Bedtime is fearful so don’t get frustrated. Sometimes kids just get anxiety about sleeping in their own bed. If lighting up the room with nightlights is appropriate then go for it. Try laying with them for a few minutes until they become acclimated to their own bed. Relate with your kids being scared and offer comfort.

3. Find a good time. Don’t try getting them to sleep in their bed if you are working on potty training. It is simple. Tackle one thing at a time to avoid frustration.

4. Brace yourself for tears. There will be crying to it is best to be prepared for the crying. It is going to happen. I am not saying let an all night cry fest occur. However there will be a certain level of crying so remaining calm

5. Build a fort or set up a tent. If it means they gradually sleep alone then make it fun. Build a fort in their room or a small tent. Stock pile it with their favorite blankets, stuffed animals, and pillows. This will make bedtime exciting.

6. Offer a reward chart. When your kids are making strides with bedtime it is so important that they don’t go unnoticed. Offer them a reward like a trip for ice cream at the end of the week for them being brave and sleeping in their bed.

7. Keep putting them back in their bed. For the first few nights keeping them in bed with certainly involve a lot of back and forth. You are going to be tired and so are they. There is going to be whining, and crying but sticking with it as hard as it might be will have a great reward. You will rest and so will they!

Do you have a remedy for getting kids to sleep in their bedroom? Share your solutions!