I have a question for any parents out there

We had it with my step-daughter, her mum often ended up falling asleep with her. Mind she was probably 5 when she grew out of it. Never had anything like this with my two lads, I'd read them a story and they'd be asleep - I have that effect on most people....

 

There's always a Samuel L Jackson bedtime story to try (even if only on headphones to yourself to amuse you!)

 

This is a good one and it does have to be a joint decision. Laura only sleeps with George when he's poorly. Under no circumstances do we take him back downstairs unless he's poorly and won't settle. (That's to put him in the pram).

We won't let him sleep with us because we don't want to set it off. We've tried letting him get in with us on a morning so we can have a bit of a lie in on a weekend but he just wants to be downstairs with his toys and youtube (Blippi) on.

I'm the soft one of the two. I'd love to have him in with us. However, I'm not the one at home with him struggling and having a nightmare if he's over tired. I'm glad I went with Laura's majority decision. He does wake up through the night but it's mostly for his dummy putting back in or the night light has gone off. We have one of those polar bear ones that has nursery rhymes and stories. He doesn't like the sound on. Just the lights.

We leave the Ipad on with hair dryer sound all night. It's great because we don't have to be upstairs with him half as long as we used to. Just took him up put his Ipad on with hairdryer sound and by the time I've come out of the shower he's asleep.

One thing me and Laura have stopped doing too is alternate bedtimes. We help each other now because he can be a bit boisterous. I haven't read to him in a couple of months because he won't settle. The routine is better if he's just left. I'm hoping he grows out of this because I used to love reading to him.

 

I have a 2 girls, one at 7 just like you, tbh she goes to bed fine, tucked in and a kiss and cuddle and 90% of the Time she goes straight off, like others have said it’ll be another phase but 100% cherish it, I also have a 14 year old who is very close to me (now my football sidekick) but I’d give my right arm to wind the clock back to them both being really young again, there innocence at loving nature at this age is brilliant!!

She’s currently writing a song before school this morning for my wife’s birthday, I’m certain I’ve heard it in the radio too enjoy every minute of the growing up mate

 

There’s obviously no right or wrong answer and I admire some of the sentiment above but that wouldn’t be realistic for my set of circumstances and 3 children.

we have always taken the approach of being hardline on this from them being babies. This would involve leaving them to cry sometimes, routine and consistent bed times. We wouldn’t let them sleep with us either, I think you’re just making a rod for your own back if you let them do that and it confuses the message of consistency

Appreciate any people may not agree with this approach but has worked well for us. Sleep is really important and routine is a big part of this. That is for adults as well as children

 

Totally agree with this. This is what I've always done and it hasn't caused any issues.

 

Csn read to him at any time, don't have to wait while bedtime. Kids love cuddles and stories!

 

Unfortunately there is no set formula.
Just about all of the above suggestions may or may not work and I`m sure you will land on your own solution.
Best of luck and keep trying and I`m sure you will win through!