My 3 year old son has been waking up during the night (1-4times a night!) screaming that someone is waking him up. In the morning we ask him what's wrong during the night and he says "his friend keeps bothering him" We tell him not to worry and to tell his "friend" not to bother him but it doesn't work. We've taken his tv out of his room (he used to say he saw foot prints in the tv and it scared him). I don't know what to do, with him waking up so many times a night (usually says he want's to come into bed with us - but I don't want to start that habit either) he is tired and grumpy in the morning. Any suggestions?

By Luv2fly on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 01:07 pm:

Ask him about his friend. Get him to tel you what this friend does like, doesn't like. Use this info to keep the friend away before bedtime. For example, he says friend likes cookies, put out aplate of cookies with your son before bedtime (probably have to let son have one at this point too). Tell your son that his friend will not bother him him because he will just go to the kitchen and eat the cookies. Tell son if friend does come in and wake him up to tell friend " I left cookies out for you in the kitchen, second door on the right please leave me alone now!"

I am sure there are better ideas but it might be worth a try.

By Trina on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 01:17 pm:

WELCOME to Momsview, Lisa!


Common behavior for this age. Luv2fly's suggestion is worth a try. Also, does he have a special stuffed animal or toy that can "protect" him? When DD was going through this she liked when one of our cats slept with her because we said, "Andy won't let anything hurt you." If/when Andy wasn't available (LOL!) we have a life size stuffed panther she likes because she claims it keeps her "safe". How about a night light? That might help as well.

More info on this topic here:
Night Time Fears