Looking for a good solution. I usually bring kids to sleep at 7 then read for maybe 1/2 hour then lights out while I do some work in the room either reading or computer (small light for me). My younger DS sometimes has to get some energy out, but usually will settle down quickly and sleep. My older DS, now age 6.5, will sometimes stay awake for 2 hours, complaining about various things, and just in general refusing to sleep. Part of me wonders whether he is doing this b/c he is afraid that we will leave the room once he sleeps (which we do, but are always just one room away and he has never had an issue waking up and being upset that we are not there). At the same time, he's a bear to get out of bed in the morning and always says he is so tired still, that he didn't get enough sleep. Clearly he needs to be falling asleep earlier, and I am searching for ways to encourage this. I do notice that he falls asleep more quickly if either me or DH are actually going to sleep with him. Has anyone dealt with this and what might be some suggestions to help ease this transition to sleep?
As a side note, DS is a somewhat anxious child and often will need to know where me or DH is - he wants us close. This started when we stayed with a friend due to a lengthy power outage in a larger and unfamiliar house, but the intensity varies over time (sometimes it's really an issue, othertimes not so much). I think this is the root problem.
As a side note, DS is a somewhat anxious child and often will need to know where me or DH is - he wants us close. This started when we stayed with a friend due to a lengthy power outage in a larger and unfamiliar house, but the intensity varies over time (sometimes it's really an issue, othertimes not so much). I think this is the root problem.
