How we got our kids to go to sleep on their own

My kids used to be rocked to sleep every night, and for every nap.  When I was pregnant with our third, I found that my oldest was simply too big to be rocked comfortably (and it hurt!), and my almost two year old was also too heavy to rock comfortably with a big belly.  So here is how I got the kids to go to bed every night on their own.  To this day they still easily, quietly put themselves to sleep within minutes of being put to bed.

Step One: Separation.  The kids needed to get used to me not rocking them and having the warm contact as they go to sleep.  The whole day I prepared them verbally for how we'd go to sleep - mommy would sit in the room with them until they both fell asleep but I would not rock them.  I first did this by putting a rocking chair in the middle of the room, between both of their beds.  The first night was ROUGH.  I never let the kids "cry it out" and I was right there with them, but there certainly were tears!  I continued to gently remind them to stay in their beds, I would be here for them as they fell asleep, etc.  I kept my patience, never let my voice show irritation, and within probably 20-30 minutes my son (who had the most trouble with all of this) decided to stay in his bed. Once this was accomplished, he fell asleep in about another 10-15 minutes. My daughter did the same (and watched as my son tried to get me to rock him, knowing that if I'd cave in to him, surely she'd be able to get rocked also).

The next day, I continued to verbally explain how the kids would go to sleep on their own, I'd be in the room with them, etc. and there were no tears.  Because I hadn't given in the previous night, and this was a new technique, I think they realized I was for real.  I think had I tried another technique I had given in on, I would continue to have trouble as the kids tested my limits to see if I'd give in again.  Within 15 minutes the next night, they were asleep. 

The trend continued.  I'd bring my bible or other books I've been reading and sit quietly rocking in the chair as they went to sleep.  Within a week or two, I moved the rocking chair to the back corner of their room so that I was out of the way and not in direct eyesight.  A week or so after that, I was able to do our night time routine (consisting of getting them in bed, praying together, kisses and hugs for all, then lights out) and walk out of the room.  Both kids were asleep within minutes.  This trend has continued with no issues.