My son playing in his room in the middle of the night

Tina - posted on 10/19/2010

I would not worry to much...my daughter did this for a little while after she figured she could...I followed by disabling the lights in her room when it was bed time- which led to her playing in the dark...not sure what's worse. I think what's really going on is that they are so busy during the day that they really want to have some alone time ...and it just happens to fall on the night...unless you see him developing serious issues or are worried about his safety I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure that all items that could get him in trouble are tucked away and all the gates are closed when you go to bed.

Sarah - posted on 10/19/2010

My husband and I have a fan/light fixture in our room that has a remote. That might be a good idea for your little one. That way you can turn the light off with the remote (and take it with you) and even if he gets up to turn the light switch on it wont work. I would probly still get a night light though, he might be getting scared of the dark and putting the light on for that?

Brandy - posted on 10/16/2010

i dont know if it would work or not but maybe you should try putting things in his room that glow in the dark, maybe he would want to see them so he would keep the light off. or maybe give him a little flash light to sleep with maybe then he would keep the light off and play with that until he falls asleep, just an idea.

Joy - posted on 10/15/2010

My son is almost 3 and does this all the time. My husband gets home from work at 3:30am and sometimes comes home to find our son in his room, playing quietly with his toys, while I'm sound asleep in our room. I always feel bad because I sleep so hard that I don't hear him get up. I'm not sure what to do about it either but it's also not something I'm really worried about. My son stopped taking naps altogether about 6 months ago so I know when he goes to bed he's tired. I'm hoping it's something he'll grow out of because for us, the lightbulb idea isn't feasable....the light is on the ceiling and there are 4 bulbs under a big glass cover.

Allie - posted on 10/13/2010

I have tried a night light and he still got up in the night. I have tried reducing nap time and taking nap time away. Along with giving him extra play time outside. I'm not sure how often he gets up, I think its only when I find his light on, but I'm just not sure.

Erin - posted on 10/13/2010

I would first try explaining night time is for sleeping and the light stays off at night. If that doesn't work I would definitely do what Nathaly said to do.
Maybe he just likes being able to see but with the light on he then decides to play. I would try a night light just so he can have the comfort of being able to see around but not light enough for the temptation to play with his toys in the middle of the night.

Nathaly - posted on 10/13/2010

How about if you twist the light bulb before bed time...That way if he wakes up in the middle of the night...His light wont come on...

Also, I dont know if you are a stay at home mom or he is watched by someone else...But you should try to monitor his nap schedule...My friend told me that her boyfriends son use to do this aswell...Its a phase.