What am I going to do? My overtired 7 year old who is SO tired he is falling asleep during the day will NOT go to sleep grrr

[foxinsocks]

he just will not

he's in his room but I can hear him laughing and joking and singing

I have tried everything but I cannot force him to sleep if he won't actually go to bed. He's had a lovely long wind down, was very quiet in his room, but the minute I said, right it's time for bed, it's like I've clicked a switch in him and he's not going to sleep at all

but tomorrow, he will look dreadful and will be AWFUL, I know

on Saturday, we went out for lunch, and he actually lay down under the table, he just could not keep his eyes open and this is all because he does not actually fall asleep until going on 9/9.30 which when he is waking up at 6ish just doesn't seem enough sleep for him grrr

[jicky]

If any of mine wont sleep I tell them they don't have to, but that they do have to lie down in the dark with their eyes shut. There must also be no noise. This generally sends them to sleep.

If they refuse to do this I either stop them going to cubs - their favourite after school thing and one that finishes quite late, Or send them to their room 15 mins earlier the next night and make a big fuss of the ones who are staying up until the usual time.

You can't make him sleep, but you can be quite clear about what else he may or may not do.

[Boco]

I knew this was you Fox, by the grrr. Must be cause foxes growl.

With dds, if they're hyper and won't sleep, the rule is they can look at a book but not get out of bed or play or make noise. But they do also get into these habits where they stay up late and are shattered in the morning. It's a hard one to break as they get second wind at bedtime.

[foxinsocks]

yes I was very growly tonight

he was lying in bed, in the dark, with his eyes closed but still singing grrr.

yes maybe I should try the 15 mins earlier thing.

Biggest problem is that his room and his sister's interconnect and he thinks this is marvellous so he tries to escape from his bed and jump into hers (but never when I can see it because he is too quick and jumps back into bed before I've got to the top of the stairs).

Right, I am being tough and growly tomorrow and he can go to bed at 7.45 and 15 mins earlier each night till he stops pissing about. Thanks for the tip!

boco, ds is a hyper child too. He thinks being hyper is just wonderful really grrr.