Are all kids this difficult to get into their own room? (AGE 5.5)

[yentroc]

We have slept with dd (Age 5.5) since birth. First in our bed then in her own bed next to ours.

She expressed interest in moving to her own room a month or so before ds was born. We definitely encouraged it since the thought of sleeping with dd and a newborn in the same room stressed me out. (Dd is a light sleeper and once woken, has a really hard time getting back to sleep)

Fast forward almost 10 months... she's still in her room but HATING it and fighting it every night. Dh sleeps on a futon mattress outside her room and I sleep with ds in my room. I think we are all getting the most amount of sleep in this arrangement, so it's working for us.

But the bedtime battles and drama are just wearing me out. My dd has always had separation anxiety with me and when I say goodnight to her, she acts like I'm telling her that I'm leaving for the moon, never to return...

So I guess what I'm asking is: Is this a function of her personality (and admittedly LOTS of changes in her life) or are all kids who co-sleep, co-sleepers for life?

And also, any insights into the situation would be appreciated. TIA.

[kerc]

I'm wondering if it is a cognitive thing at this age. Leah has begun telling me about bad dreams and worries about having them. Occasionally she wakes up sobbing and very scared.

My kids are closer (3 years apart) but they share a room. Can you put your baby down for an evening snooze in dd's room? When we put our 3 yo down, we would put the baby to sleep in a pack and play -- it was our safest option. baby would sleep for an hour, 3 yo thought the kids slept at the same time and she didn't wake when baby woke to nurse in an hour. We also called the room "the kids' room" vs. Erin's room.


I also wonder about bedtime ... is it time to move it by 15 minutes later? Does your daughter need an extra "mom" thing whereby dad takes baby for a walk around the block and you and dd get special "me" time.

For a long time we did dates with our kids -- "erin and dad time". We made a big deal out of it and it would be an hour or so walk in the park with just one parent.

You are right, there are a lot of changes in your house, it is probably hard to sort it all out. But I think you're not necessarily a lifetime cosleeper....my oldest certainly isn't.

[yentroc]

thanks for the insight.