Getting toddler to stay in bed

[FedUp847]

DS is 3, a s has been in a standard single god over a year. No issues originally, it takes him a while to fall asleep and I need to sit next to him or hold his hand until he drops off, but always stayed in bed until recently.

The last month or so he had taken to getting out of bed and wandering around the room and playing or looking out of the window. He ignores most instructions to get back into bed, or gets on and then straight back out again. He does it even if it’s pitch black, and when there are no toys accessible. It’s driving me nuts, it’s taking even longer to get home to sleep, even though he is tired. I’ve got no time in the evening to get anything done because bedtime is taking forever.

Any suggestions on how to get him to stay in bed please?

Does he need to? DD1 has just turned 4, and for nearly a year we've just read stories, given her a cuddle goodnight, and gone downstairs. She plays for a bit then goes to sleep.

I'd just leave him to it.

As pp said, story, cuddle, good night. Go downstairs and get on with your evening and he can look out of the window for a bit and then settle down when he's ready.

Just make sure his room is safe obviously!

Thanks both, going to give it a go and report back.

When we first started this, we did have to check back in fairly regularly. I used to tell her I had a specific job to do and that I'd be back after that ("I'm just going to be in my bedroom putting some clothes away, I'll be 2 mins"), and just gradually increase the time I was away. She wasn't upset, but would call for me to come back.

He screamed constantly until DP gave in and went up for cuddles. 🙄