First night of gradual retreat sleep training with anxious 5 year old-join me on my quest to restore bedtimes and peace on my home!

[Hyperhelpmum]

I have a five year old boy, three year old boy and 8 week baby daughter. My five yr old has struggled to settle since he started school last yr but was always asleep by 9pm. Since his baby sister arrived he has developed extreme sellers room anxiety which is worst at night and been unable to sleep before 11pm or whenever me or DH come to bed. We've tried everything and tonight I've decided gradual retreat. So here I am sat outside his bedroom door! 3 yr old asleep after 20 mins. 5 yr old quiet but awake. How long until a) baby wakes and I have to move b) I need a wee c) I can't take another second d) he actually falls aleep? Moral support needed. DH out at work!!!!!

[Hyperhelpmum]

Sorry read separation anxiety not sellers room!!!

[Hyperhelpmum]

Hmmm

[Hyperhelpmum]

Yeah I'm not overly optimistic 1 hr later and he's still awake. How did it not work for u if you don't mind my asking?

[rubyslippers]

I did it with my nearly 4 year old last autumn

Worked brilliantly. Took 3 (!) weeks but she has slept through ever since

She was needing me to fall asleep, get up
In the night and come into my room - this went on for months and I
Was a wreck

Stick with it

[rubyslippers]

If he's not calling for you, and you are outside the room
Then go for a wee

[Hyperhelpmum]

Just been for wee and put on pjs! Still here! Ahhhhhhhh! So want to sleep whilst baby is!

[rubyslippers]

Get a pillow and lay down

I used to do that

[Hyperhelpmum]

Good idea rubyslippers oh bigger it baby woken. Going to get her and feed her on chair nr door.

[rubyslippers]

Good luck

[Hyperhelpmum]

Asleep by 8.50pm. First night was 1hr 40 mins. Wish me luck for tomoz!

[Iwannalaylikethisforever]

I also tried but without success
Good luck

[Iwannalaylikethisforever]

I also tried but without success
Good luck

[secretsofsanta]

My nearly four old has been sleep training for a week or so, we did lots of bribing to get her to go off on her own but last night she just kept crying and calling us.

[rubyslippers]

You can do it -it's tough
There were nights when I was returning DD 3 times an hour every hour and then going to work

It was worth it