Name: Pam K.
Federal Way, WA
Number of kids: 2
Ages of kids: 3, 16 months
Problem: Our 3 year old daughter will not stay in her bed. We have tried using a gate at the end of the hallway, allowing her to sleep in our bed and then move her to hers etc. Please help, we are in need of sleep.
Solution submitted by Martha of Clemson, SC: I am going through the exact thing; I think it may be due to the new baby. One thing we have tried and had limited success with is getting a digital clock for her room. We've told her she can't get in our bed until the first number says 6 or 7. For the most part, it works, or it at least stops the trying to get into our bed. Sometimes we have to take her back and lie down with her.
Another solution submitted by Gina from Eielson AFB, AK: We had the same problem with both children at that age, so I'd say that it is just a phase. With my first it was as simple as giving up her naps. With my second it's leaving the light on. When we go to bed we turn it off. If she wakes and turns it on again, no problem for us, we just hope that she'll out grow it.
Another solution submitted by Supermom of MI:Troubles with 3 year olds! aaw!!!! Well one word is to be very consistent. Another is to maybe leave the room light on for a few nights. Then as the nights go by let her fall asleep and then turn the light off after she has gone to sleep. She may be seeing some scary shadows or other night time things that we don't think about as an adult. Even a closet light may help, but what ever you do be consistent with what you do. If she is seeing monsters, get a spray bottle and put monster juice in it, and leave it at her bed side at night so she or you can spray what ever away. (Hint: fill it with a little water and maybe a scent of something like vanilla or strawberry or something that she can smell.) If she thinks it is to get rid of monsters she can be a big girl and stay in her own bed! Good luck and let us know if it works!
Another solution submitted by Leora1 from Vancouver, BC, CAN:I had the same problem with my 2 yr old when he learned how to open doors.I think I tried just about everything but the only thing that worked for us is to put a safety cover over the doorknob. If he ever needs us in the middle of the night all he has to do is yell. I am just starting to phase the cover out and hopefully the door will stay shut. If you use this suggestion be careful that they can't rip off the cover. I hope this will work for you and remember it is only for a short time that the cover will be on, just long enough for them to learn to stay in there room!!!
Please submit any more solutions.