ChatterBank2 mins ago
My 7 year old won't go to sleep!
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!
Answers
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.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)
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.