Advice on how to get an older child to sleep in their bed?

Question

The day my daughter could crawl out of my lap, she crawled into my bed. It was a battle and yes, I gave in because I had to get my sleep. She's 9 now and yes, I now see the error of my ways and I'm not sure whether to force her, which I don't really want to do, or to wait until she decides to sleep in her bed. She doesn't like to spend time in her room very much and I've redecorated, etc. to try to resolve that to no avail. I've tried rewards and that doesn't last long. I need help!! Are there any suggestions??

Answer 1

Alright, this may sound cruel but this is what my mom did to me and I stopped! (I am 11)... Take something away from her, like her Webkinz, Barbie dolls, whatever.... something she loves to play with or something she just loves. Like an old teddy bear. It works better if you take multiple things.Then hide the things. My mother took my 16 Webkinz and hid them in our studio room.Then, tell your daughter that for every two nights she stays in her own bed she will get one of the items back!Trust me, this works!

Answer 2

I have one son who is 7.   Since he could climbed out of his crib he's tried sleeping with us.  The only way for him to stay in his bed is this routine.  We read together for 15-20 minutes, lights out, chat a few minutes.  Sometimes, he'll ask for a back massage and usually after 5 minutes he is out like a light.  If he's a little wound after massage,  we'll tell him five more minutes so I can get ready for bed.  After the five minutes, we say sweet dreams and leave the room.  We ask if he wants the door open or closed, lights dimmed or bright in the hall, and tell him we'll check on him in 5 minutes.  Sometimes, he's awake, like waiting for us to come back, we'll fix his blanket, and give a kiss.  Then check again in 5 and he's usually out like a light.  When he was younger we did a sticker chart.  Every night he stayed in bed and did not get out after we left the room he earned a sticker.  When he got 30 stickers we took him to Chuck E. Cheese or bowling etc.  At the end of the summer all was fine and we continued this routine without stickers.  Being an only child he doesn't like to be alone upstairs.  I figure these years only happen once so we enjoy the routine.  In a blink of an eye he won't want the special treatment.  :)