DS 3.9 suddenly V scared of being in his bed or is he just testing us

[banthambabe]

Any advice much appreciated. Since he started sleeping through he has been a great sleeper 7 to 7. Since he has been 3 he would have the occasional nightmare. He shares a room with his sister has done for over a year and there have been no problems. He has been testing boundries in the day time recently then last night woke up at 3 and screamed and screamed about being in his bed he seemed very scared. So as his sister poorly he came into travel cot in our room as she needed sleep. Now tonight he is screaming and screaming that he doesnt want to be in his bed. I cant tell if he is scared or just pushing boundries but he is in such a state. DH is dealing with him at the moment but we just dont know what to do? To give in and let him sleep in our room or stay with him or let him scream it out Any one go any ideas?

Has he got a nightlight? They can be very good if you have a child who is afraid to be alone in their room at night.

If you've already got one I would try gradual withdrawal. It is quite common for them to get fearful of going to sleep alone at this age.

To begin with you sit or lie on the floor by their bed, stroking their hand, shushing them, patting them, gently talking, reading or singing to them. Over time you move closer and closer to the door and then outside the door. Eventually you can stop talking to them and just wait outside their door for minute or 2 and go downstairs.

I don't have useful advice about the sleep, but I did find that at around this age DS suddenly developed a whole lot of fears that he'd never had before.

Can you find out (probably later, when he is calmer) what it is about his bed that scares him? Then there may be something specific you can do about it.

Thanks for replies. We have decided to go down the road of a nightlight. It feels like a backward step as he has only had a light that "glows" not very bright but the only way he went to sleep last night was with a bright light and me in the room. He was terrified of going to sleep in case he had the same dream. He slept through last night and was proud of himself. Big fuss of him this am at what a brave boy going to sleep but will now get a proper nightlight for him. Will have to see how he goes. Good to know it's normal at this age to suddenly get these fears. Bless him! We have been spoilt as up to now he has been so good. Thanks for your help!

The ITNG white night light is quite bright. The blue ITNG and the blue thomas one just sort of glows.