My DS is 4yrs old, has been in his own bedroom from 5m old.
He's been in his current bedroom for the last 10m (next to his 15m sister).
As every 4yr old does, he's tried every trick in the book to stall bedtime, has gone through the (normal phases)
Recently he's been difficult to get to bed, and hasn't been staying in bed during the night. During the night/by morning, we've found him on the rug in our bedroom, on the sofa with his blanket and at the end of our bed.
We follow a bedtime routine of teatime, pyjamas, book and bed (every other day a bath after teatime).
We have tried everything. A calm approach, a silent approach, bribery, confiscation of toys.
We've even made it so he has an extra bit of time with us (without the baby) - after his sister goes to bed, so he feels a bit more special as the big brother.
Come bedtime he refuses to go to bed - he shouts, he kicks, he screams, slaps, punches and slams doors, throws toys. Generally acts like a possessed child. Then gets upset (I always offer a warm hug at this point). He then gives in after me going in and out of his bedroom, stroking his head.
When he does eventually settle down, he's up during the night.. He's Crying and cannot get any information out of him (he's crying and tired). Or in our room or living room - sleeping.
During the day I ask him why he got up. He just either says he doesn't know or that he's scared of the dark ( he has a night-light and we leave a bright lamp on outside his room).
Help! I've tried EVERYTHING.