Nanny To The Rescue: How Can I Make The Transition From Our Room To His Easier For My 3-Year-Old?

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Our in-house nanny answers your baby, toddler and preschooler questions…

Q: My son who recently clocked three years has been sleeping in our room since he was born. I’m currently thinking of moving him to his own room. How can we make the transition easier for him?

This transition has to be gradually done as it is going to be a major milestone. Start by decorating his room with his preferred colour and character. Children that age will most likely be drawn to superman, batman and their likes. Get him involved as you decorate and tell him that this is going to be his room and he is expected to sleep there every day.

Until he gets very comfortable falling asleep in this new environment, you may have to lie next to him until he falls asleep. Leave the door slightly open and don’t forget to check on him at regular intervals during the night.

If he wakes up during the night and comes to your room, take him back to his room and get him back to sleep. Let him know he’s secure and you’ll always check back on him. Tell him he’s a big boy now and has to have a room to himself; make it sound like a really big deal.

Note that the transition may not be as fast as you wish, so, the key is patience and having a consistent and soothing bedtime routine. Praise his efforts along the way.

Soon enough, your son will be independent and only look forward to you tucking him into bed because of the fun bedtime stories, goodnight hugs and kisses.

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