how do I get my son to sleep byhimself?

[topher40]

We are at our wits endso have turned to here for help. Our son, 2 anda half, sleeps well but will not go to sleep without one of us by his bed. If he wakes we have to sit with him till he drops off again but sometimes it seems he is notsleeping just waiting for us to move then the tears and screaming start. Once hes down he sleeps really well but we dont know what else to do. have tried letting him cry out but it takes ages and if hes really upset he de-constructs his bedroom.
Any advice please.

Does he have any other comfort item apart from you? If not you could give him a teddy (or blankie as we do) as part of his night time routine. Then gradually encourage him to use his teddy for comfort instead of you. I've been doing this with my son and it seems to help. So when I put my ds to bed I say night-night etc and tell him that he's got blankie and it does seem to give him some comfort (and something to cuddle).

Have you seen SuperNanny's method for this? Haven't used it myself but it seems to work on the telly!

Have you read the No-Cry Sleep Solution for toddlers & pre-schoolers by Elizabeth Pantley? She has various ideas, including Frog's comforter one. I'd give that a try as it sounds as if he is needing reassurance from you.

Some children are affected by the 2.5-3 year sleep regression which can mean that getting them to sleep is less easy at this age.