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Being Tucked In

Usually young children need to be tucked in bed in order for them to sleep. This may involve resting next to them or reading a story until you see their eyes close, but up to what age do you think this should stop? In other words, when should you know longer need to tuck your child into bed?

In Tucked Being

It depends on the child. Some children have no problem from an early age putting themselves to sleep. Others will need the comfort brought by being near their parent(s) until later in childhood.

I know it can be frustrating to "stop everything" just to sit with your child until they fall asleep - believe me, I know what it's like! However, I do think it's important for kids to feel confident that their parents are available when they need them. The alternative may be a child who doesn't trust a parent with important questions or challenges they may face in their young lives.

In my opinion, of course.
Roz

Being Tucked In Reviews Consumer & Travel Family Culture

I think there is just a time where it just drops off on it's own. Of course, the only tucking in I remember was with my grandmother (when I stayed with her). We would have this ritual where we both washed our feet before we went to bed and she used to tuck me in way until I was probably 10 or so. I think if it's part of your ritual to stay with them until they fall asleep and it works for you, continue on.

In Tucked Being

I dont think there is a Cut off point, the 'Ritual' just alters.

With my 11 month old, its a bath and bottle, then she is put down in her cot, and the light is turned off, and the door closed. We are very fortunate as she is asleep within minutes, unless there is something wrong.

My 11 year old, its more like, a coco, a chapter of 'Harry Potter' or the next big thing and then light off, an hour later pop in to turn the DVD and TV off or take off her headphones and turn off the stereo when she is asleep. Cause she thought she could get away with doin it but fell asleep with them on, tut Kids

Really its all a matter of 'what works' and what you feel comfortable with. No child is from the same mold as any other.

In Tucked Being

I agree that it depends on the child. With our two children (luckily) we didn't have to sit or lay with them so that they could fall asleep. Our son actually has been going to sleep on his own since he was a couple of months old. I believe it also has to do with how much pampering the parent does when it is time to sleep. If the parent decides that before sleep time they will have to hold the child and let them fall asleep on them before they are put to bed, then the child will develop the 'habit' of being tucked in before bed. Sometimes the child needs to cry a bit on their own without the parent trying to console them, because sleep is not something to be consoled about. The latter can be most difficult for parents to endure because no one wants to hear their children cry.

Being Tucked In

I also agree that no child is the same, and it's not always 'the routine' that the parent has placed, but sometimes it comes straight from the child.
I have 3 children, 16,(M) 4(F) and 3(M) years. My 16 year old liked to have a story read to him when he was little, but only until he was old enough to read by himself, then he just had 30 minutes reading time, before lights out.
My 3 year old boy just wants to say his prayers with me, have a kiss goodnight, and that's it-- he wants to just sleep.

However my 4 year old girl---what a different story! we have had weeping, wailing, back and forward wanting the toilet (as an excuse) clinging to my leg so I can't leave the room, any excuse under the sun-you name it, she's done it. It has been a real struggle, but we are getting there now. By no means is she perfect at bedtimes, but I find that being firm but kind works the best, and when I tell her I am going downstairs-- I go! she moans to herself for a while, but eventually gives in and sleeps.
It really seems to be working for us anyway!