2 1/2 Yr Old Won't Sleep in His Room

I went through this with my son when he was about 16 maybe 18 months old. He also used to just get his "goodnights" from Mommy and Daddy and I'd lie him in bed and out he'd go. Then one night he literally jumped OUT of his crib and was at his bedroom door before I even closed it. It was almost as if something scared him but there was nothing to scare him. Never figured it out and we spent a few months waiting for him to fall asleep on the floor and finally, we ended up getting rid of the crib and getting small toddler bed. It helped and we even let him help us arrange his room, bought a brand new cool nightlight that he picked out and made sure he had some "cuddlies" to sleep with. It took a while a ton of patience but he finally started sleeping in his room again.

Hello L.. I agree that there might be something in his room that is scaring him. If he isn't able to tell you what the problem is though there isn't much you can do on that end. If you are lacking sleep, I suggest you just let him sleep in the living room. Trying to take him to his room while he is asleep is scarring him half to death, so I would stop that. I generally agree to caring them to bed once they are asleep, that is what I do, but if he is scared he is scared. Now, if he has monsters, try the 'monster juice' stuff that is water in a squirt bottle and spray his room together at night. Since it only lasted a month last year you can pray it only last a month this year and let him sleep it out on the couch. Best of Luck!

Have you asked him what is wrong? He should be able to tell you if he is afraid, or what the problem is. If he is afraid, you might have the monsters jitters going on. You could then use any method to get rid of monsters, spray bottle of water labled to get rid of monsters, apray can of air freshner labeled the same way,or I taught my children that monsters were afraid of loud noises. Clap 3 times and tell the monster to go away in a loud voice. Monster leaves because he is afraid.
We also had a problem with a child not wanting to miss out on what was happening after they went to bed. We had to make sure the tv sound was turned down so they would get to sleep.
Hopefully this is just a phase, and you may never know what caused it this time. Good luck.
R.

I agree with the person who advised you to go into room turn out the lights and see what is there in the dark. Maybe a tree shadow that is just right at this time of year, maybe a light from the neighbors, who knows. IF there is another room (guest room?), can you trade the rooms? And there is always the ever potent homemade monster spray. Turn a night light on, and let him spray for monsters. Just don't let him see you make it. Good luck

I would try laying in his room for a bit in the dark. Perhaps there is a shadow or something that has caught his eye that looks scary. Try to look from his point of view. Good luck, T. M.

Maybe your son has an emotional cycle that he goes through at this time of year? May seem odd but I've noticed that with my 7 yo daughter. She seems to become very clingy in spring and again at the end of summer, and has for many years now. I can't put my finger on why but I've just noticed a cycle - when I read about your son it reminded me of her. I just comfort and nurture her and try to ease her through it and she comes out of it unscathed and back into her "normal" bedtime routine. Hope this helps!