Getting kids to stay in bed
One of the most common problems parents have with young kids is getting them to stay in their beds! Here's what seems to work well:
1. Let them have a say in decorating their room and picking out their furniture if you're moving them from a crib. If not, even picking out a comforter, a night light, a lamp or some wall border would help.
2. Establish a rigid bedtime routine. For instance: Brush teeth,bathe, comb hair, then read two stories, sing two lullabies, rub the tummy, then rub the back. Give them a choice before sending them to bed so it doesn't invite power struggles: It's bedtime. What do you want to do first, take a bath or brush your teeth?"
3. Then tell them you'll "check on theim in 5 minutes," but if they come out of their rooms, you reset the timer. Then check on them (usually longer than 5 minutes, but they don't know!) rub their backs alittle and talk very softly and very little. Repeat at lengthening intervals and they're usually down for the count within minutes. If they get out, tell them you have faith in them to stay in their beds and that you have to have your Mommy Time
4. If they persist in getting up, lock your bedroom door when you go to bed and don't open it at al. If they knock and cry, etc. REpeat that you have faith in them to confort themselves and say little else. Let them camp out in front of the door if they must.
Hope that helps.