My 7 year old won't go to sleep!

[Hellion]

My son is 7 he goes to bed just fine, we go up at 7 7.30, read a story (or he reads one to me). However after that he just doesn't settle to sleep until nearly 10pm. He reads a book, he's not naughty and rarely calls, it's as though he's just not ready even though he's eyes look like a pandas! I've taken the book off of him (but he's usually got one hidden in his bed somewhere). I've tried putting on a talking book CD quietly, I've bribed and threatened. He wakes up fine and full of beans but I've noticed that during the holidays he seems quite happy to go to sleep late and wake a bit later. Do I have a night owl or does anyone have any suggestions? I'm in a quandry as I don't want to make the reading of books an issue, I'm glad he loves it, and there was the pay off that he got a 3 for reading in his SATs, but I don't want him to be tired. Help!

[miss_chase]

As an avid reader myself, I recognise this behaviour from me as a child!

Does he have dedicated reading time during the day - time where he can just sit quietly and read with no interruptions? If not, it might be worth creating some time like this... maybe create a 'reading' space in his room (with him) with bean bags and a little table for a drink etc.

Then you can reinforce the idea that bedtime is for sleep (and thinking and reflecting). Maybe reward him with a book for his 'reading space' every week he has got the sleep he needs - ie gone to sleep/tried at the time you say.

Just an idea... Good luck!!

(ps well done for creating a child who loves reading - as a teacher i reckon this is probably the best thing you can do for a child's overall learning) 

[woofgang]

was going to post the same answer as miss_chase. I am still to this day a chapter finisher! The reading corner/time is a good idea....but but it is lovely to read in bed

[shaz-rla]

My 7 year old daughter is exactly the same - she has her nose always stuck in a book!  I've caught her reading at 10.00pm and its "please let me just finish this page" she also got a 3 in all her SATS. I have a reading corner for her but it still doesn't stop her from wanting to read in bed, just be glad that he enjoys his reading and try to impose some sort of time scale in the evenings.  Good Luck!

[Mistopheles]

I was exactly the same as a kid. Dad used to pop his head round the door about 11pm and say 'don't tell your mother you were up this late!' Mine was partly book 'addiction', partly insomnia. Last night I was still reading at 5am, and I was up at 8am to finish my book - not through choice, just through insomnia.

I would suggest doing everything you can to help him sleep - warm bath, milky drink, peaceful hour or so before going to bed etc. just in case it is insomnia. After that, try not to worry - some people just genuinely need less sleep than others. He's probably just a night owl as you say.

[Hellion]

Thanks guys this is very reassuring - I know I can't really complain I'm a book addict too, and as a child had to finish a chapter or 'one more page' so I guess I'm reaping what I've sown (he actually had his library card before his birth was registered!). I'm glad of the reassurance though, thanks.

[Brinjal]

I would think that as long as he isnt creating havoc  then leave him be.   I also had bookworm night owl and as long as she was in bed and reading and not worryong my life I let her be.   She is now 25 has degree  a great job and is a well adjusted citizen.