Tips on Getting Your 3 Year Old to Sleep in His/Her Own Room

For most adults, bedtime is graciously welcomed, as it gives us a chance to get some rest, cuddle with our significant other, and wake up ready to face a new day. However, if you are a parent of a toddler, bedtime may be your worst nightmare. When children reach the age of 3, they should begin sleeping alone in their own beds. Many children quickly adapt this role of feeling like "big boy/girl" by accomplishing this task each night. For other toddlers who are not ready to leave the safety of mommy and daddy's bed, it can be a night long fight until someone finally gives in, with the battle typically ended in the child's favor. Read on to see how you can successfully get your toddler to sleep in his/her own bed, all night long.

Have discussions regularly with your child about the importance of sleeping in their own bed, and how it makes them a big girl/boy. They may not understand at first why you seem to be throwing them out of your bed, but it will eventually sink in.

Allow them to help decorate their bedroom, including choosing the bedding at the store and assisting in making the bed. Make a big deal of the first night of sleeping alone by getting them a new set of pajamas, a new stuffed animal to keep them company, and a nightlight to help them cope with the darkness.

Sit a cup of water on their nightstand, as they will attempt to use the "I'm thirsty" technique to be able to get out of bed, if only for a few minutes. Also, make sure they potty before laying down, as this is often also used as a stalling technique.

Childproof the bedroom in case your toddler decides to get up in the middle of the night. Be sure to have plug in covers over the electrical outlets, and that the window is locked. You may want to purchase a monitor, or if you used one when you child was a baby, now is a good time to pull it out of the closet so you can keep an ear out for your little one.

Above all, be consistent. Each time your child gets out of bed, place them back into it. Do not engage them into conversation, as it will only fuel their battle at staying out of their bed longer. Be sure there is nothing physically wrong with your child, such as illness, hunger, thirst, or the need to potty. Your child is likely to use these tactics as excuses not to go to sleep alone, but you will quickly be able to tell when these are just ploys.

Bedtimes for toddlers may be a difficult task for parents, but it can be done. Stick to your method of placing them back into bed each time they come out. This will eventually give them no choice but to fall asleep. Successful completion of this will allow you and your spouse to sleep alone for a change!