How to Help Your Child Sleep Alone: Trusting Your Parenting Instincts

One night, your child suddenly refuses to sleep alone. No nightmares, no big changes—just a deep fear they can’t explain. They cling to you, beg to sleep in your bed, and their usual bedtime routine feels impossible. What do you do?

Pause & Listen
Instead of rushing to reassure them with, “There’s nothing to be scared of,” take a moment. Their fear is real to them, even if you can’t see the cause. Try, “I hear you. Feeling scared is okay, and I’m here.” This small shift helps them feel understood instead of dismissed.

Follow Your Intuition
Some parents feel strongly about keeping bedtime boundaries, while others feel their child truly needs extra closeness right now. Both approaches are okay. If your gut tells you they need to sleep in your bed for a few nights, trust that. If you’d rather create a transition, offer a sleeping bag on the floor or sit with them until they drift off. There’s no “one right way”—just what feels right for your family.

Trust the Process
This won’t last forever. Fear is a phase, not a failure. If your instincts tell you something deeper is going on—maybe stress at school, a new environment, or even emotions they’re picking up from you—lean into that. A little extra connection and reassurance can go a long way.

Final Thought
Your child doesn’t need to be “fixed.” They need to feel safe. However you choose to respond, know that you’re making the right choice by listening to your child and your intuition.