Sleepless Boys

Lock your door, or institute the bedroll rule. "You can come in here, but you have to bring your blanket and pillow and make a pad and sleep on the floor."

Oh yeah, not hating on Tracy. Melatonin is natural, safe and works, though I would only use it in extreme circumstances. Why do I always forget to by it?

I have to lock my boys in their room to get them to stay in bed. But for safety and potty issues, I unlock their door before I go to sleep too.

Each and every time they get out of their beds, put them back in it. No talking (no telling them stay in bed, explaining to them, etc.). This will likely be a pretty long night, but each night should get better and better very quickly. I would suggest sit right outside their bedroom or on their bedroom floor so each time one gets out of the bed, you can quickly place them right back in. This helps them associate what they are supposed to do. There may be fighting, screaming or whatever, but you can't make it a game for them. The important thing is to be consistent and no talking. Your problem will go away if you can be firm :) They must be continuing this for a reason and I'm guessing they are getting the attention they want and staying up so they continue with their methods that are working for them.

I have no issues with giving the melatonin as Tracy suggested. You didn't mention if the boys shared a room, so I was going to suggest having them do that for a while if it is because they are scared to be alone. If they already share and that isn't the issue then try the melatonin, my husband takes it and he swears by it. Good luck!!

DO NOT LOCK THE DOORS!!!! It is a HUGE risk and imagine how your children would feel going to a locked door in middle of the night. If you stay firm it should stop, it is just a phase and be firm and consistent and they will get back on track.

Don't send me hate mail. This is per my drs orders. SInce school started last week, I have been giving my kids the tiniest dose of melatonin. I bought the 3mg melatonin pills and give them 1/4 of it each. My dr said it was ok to give them half, but I'm just doing 1/4. Getting a good nights sleep and waking up refreshed is essential for thier success in school. It has completely cut down the bedtime battle.

i really dont think drugging them is the answer like the other mom suggested. i know i'll catch grief for saying that, but it is true.
i second the locking your door thing. have you discipling them? you made no mention of any kind of discipline or punishment for them not listening to you. make consequences for their actions, be firm and consistent.

If all else fails, you can try locking the door. I bet you'll only have to do it one or two nights - then use the threat of "if you get out of bed again, I'll have to continue to lock your door." We went through this for a couple of nights and it fixed our problems totally.

We also got our son a flashlight and told him to turn it on if he gets scared. That seems to help as well.