All parents know that crushing feeling of hearing a little voice mumble ‘Mommy?’ the moment their head hits the pillow. There goes your peaceful night’s sleep. Sleeping in Mommy and Daddy’s bed may be fun for your kid, but the same can’t be said for you. Three's a crowd. Plus the unwelcome addition kills any chance of romance. If the situation continues, it can become a problem. So, we’re going to look at what you can do to make sure your child stays in their bedroom overnight.

RECOGNIZE WHY IT HAPPENS

If your child repeatedly seeks your bed, consider the cause. The chances are that something’s causing your child's anxiety about sleeping alone. It may be that they’re having nightmares or have developed a fear of the dark. Or, it may be something as simple as the fact that they know you’re a soft touch. Even as adults, we prefer to sleep with others. An empty bed is a lonely thing! With that in mind, you may think it isn’t such a bad thing to let your kid sleep in your bed. But, if they get into the habit, the issue may worsen. Once they get used to sleeping with you, they’ll find it much harder to sleep alone. 

Once you know what’s causing the problem, you’ll be in a better position to tackle things. You could come straight out and ask your kid, but they may not tell you the truth. They may not even know why it happens. If that’s the case, consider what time your child comes into your room, and if anything significant happens beforehand. 

MAKE THEIR BED IRRESISTIBLE

A major step you can take is to make your kid’s bed irresistible. If their bed is better than yours, you stand a better chance of getting them to stay in it. There are a few different ways you can improve their bed’s appeal. First, let them choose a bed frame they love. Something fun, like a bed in the shape of a car, or even bunk beds, could go down well. Then, let them choose a duvet cover they adore. That way, they’ll be more excited about sleeping there. It may even be worth turning your attention to their mattress. A memory foam mattress, like the ones found on this website, could be a perfect choice. The benefit with these is that they mold to a body. This will be comforting and encourage your child to sleep there. Nowhere else will be as comfortable! 

BE CRUEL TO BE KIND

If all else fails, be cruel to be kind. There will come a time when you need a proper night’s sleep, and your child needs to reach a level of independence. Your bed won’t always be there, after all. If you reach this stage, the best thing you can do is refuse. Explain before bedtime what will happen, then follow through. Put them back in their bedroom every time they come in. It’ll be hard, but it’s necessary.