Does this sound familiar? You've got your comfy PJs on, your pillow just right, snuggled up with your spouse or partner, feeling nice and relaxed, and you weigh your options to either curl up and enter that sweet REM cycle or make a move and spark some romance. But before you get a chance to make a decision, your little one is standing next to the bed complaining of a bad dream. Okay, you have two options:
One, you could grab your little dear, pull him into bed (of course, right in the middle creating that inconvenient barrier between you and your spouse), cuddle, assure him that he's safe, and lull him to sleep with that familiar repititious snore. Hence, creating a little munchkin bedroom takeover. Next thing you know, he's 6,7, even 8 years old and unable to securely sleep in his own bed. And of course, this eliminates the chances of you and your spouse having a healthy intimate relationship.
Your second option is to pick up your little darling, guide him back to his bed, discuss the bad dream, and reassure he is safe. Read him a book, sing a song, talk about good dreams, fun plans you have for the next day, which teaches him how to tackle his fear and feel comfortable and secure in his own space. Hence, reclaiming your bedroom. Boundaries need to be created early to solidify the rules and learn these valuable lessons simply.
If your personal, intimate space has already been taken over, then reclaiming your territory will not be easy. You, as a parent, have created a habit for your child that takes time to break, but in the end so worth it for all relationships.
