How to get my 4 year old to sleep in his own bed- pls help!

[MadameB]

I really hope someone out there can help me, I am so sleep-deprived and I work full-time! I have a DD (2) and DS (4). They share the same room - DD is pretty good about sleeping but DS is a disaster. Over the last few months he won't go to sleep in his own bed unless I sit down by the bed, tell stories and hold his hand until he drifts off. Any attempt on my part to leave the room results in tears and loud sobs and as he shares a room with his sister I end up staying just to keep the peace. I usually try to get him in bed between 8 - 8.30. He will then systematically wake up at around 10.30 crying for me,so I go in and settle him down. Then around 1.30 he'll come flying into our bed, crying and seemingly scared and will go back to his bed under a lot of duress. However, what usually happens is that I'm so tired I can't find the energy to take him back to his bed, so he ends up between me and DH, kicking and flailing around. I should mention that I travel abroad every other week for 2 days and 1 night, I think that might have some bearing. Anyway, I would really appreciate any top tips you could give me! Thank you

[ches]

Sounds like some kind of separation anxiety. I'd get him a small camping bed on the floor in your room that he knows he can come into in the night until it passes. He could also behaving nightmares. What does he do when you're not there?

[leothelioness]

How about encouraging him to stay in bed with the promise of a reward (it worked pretty well with my 4 year old ds). A sticker chart whihc he can put a sticker on every morning if he stays in his own bed and once he gets say 5 he can get a toy or a treat.

[ChirpyGrinch]

DD1 has a new clock with a light in her room so she can see whehn she wakes up, that seems to have helped laods with the ngiht waking, we can hear her chatting away to Iggle piggle on the clock and then she drifts back off again.
I alos let her have her leap pad in the room before bed so she can play for a few minuites, the first night we were a bit but she only played for 20 mins. plus the bonus is when she wakes at 5am we can send her off to play it....

[MadameB]

Thanks for the comments, yes Ches I think it is separation anxiety but he also does the same when I'm not there! Will try sticker charts and maybe the clock thing too thanks for your suggestions!