Ask a Geologist's Best Friend from High School About Baby Stuff

How do I get my three year old to sleep in his own bed and not come get in mine at 2am?

I'm kind of unqualified to answer this question because my child was five when I met him. I don't mean that he burst forth from my loins at age five, it’s just that he is my step-son. I feel like I needed to ask someone else about this because even though I have some ideas they are as yet untested. So I turned to one of the best mom’s I know! Leslie Heindselman!

Leslie was my best friend in high school and she has always wanted to be a mom. She has three kids and she always has the most impressive, sane approach to deal with any kid problem. Not to mention she has her MS in Education. She’s seriously awesome. I knew she was the gal for the job and she did not disappoint.

Here’s her advice:

“If they haven't all ready done this, I would take them right back up to their bed--every time for a week or two-be consistent and do it without any talking.

If it's been that long and still no results I've only got one option. Keep a pillow and blanket under your bed and when they come in to get in your bed, pull out the pillow and blanket and have them sleep on the floor. Maybe sleeping on the floor will be uncomfortable enough that they want to stay in their own bed.

Good luck to your friend.”

Um yeah. That is such a good idea! Tough love is tough to pull off but sleep is so important that you have to be firm. In any household it’s important that everyone get a good night’s sleep. It’s important for sanity, harmony, development and health of the family. It’s worth being tough about even though I bet those first few nights will be hard on your heartstrings.