Zen and I are kind of opposites on this issue, I think. Though, we both agree that it’s time to lose the crib. And that’s fine; there are many parenting styles, and no one is “right” or “wrong”.
I was very fond of co-sleeping, and sometimes (very occasionally) my 4 year old will find his way into my bed. Usually it’s for comfort after a bad dream. My thought is, it won’t be long before he has absolutely no interest in cuddling with Mama, so I’m going to take all I can get now.
We did our share of “run around until you pass out”, too. It didn’t last long before E started telling me “Mama, I’m tired. I think I’ll take a nap now.” He did that for a short time, but stopped taking regular naps before he turned three. Some kids just don’t need it, and that’s okay.
It does help to have a routine. I taught my son early on how to tell time. He’d run around and play, and eventually I’d ask him.
“E, what does the clock say?”
“Nine o’clock”
“And what does nine o’clock mean?”
“Bath, teeth, and jammies.”
If he is really good for bath, teeth, and jammies, I’ll reward him with an episode of Pokemon before bed.