Anyone else's small children just not going the f**k to sleep?

[Sparrowlegs248]

Dc aged 3 and 4.5. Normally, in bed by 7.15, asleep by 7.30. Older one some times not quite asleep by then. Often have to be woken at 6.45.

Currently, waking anytime between 6 and 7. Yet really just not going to sleep at night. The younger is asleep, the 4 yr old is not. They share a room, and I tend to sit with them for 5 or 10 minutes to make sure they're settled. Which is fine at 7.15. Ice just left them, 4 yr old still awake. They've been on the go since 6.15am. I'm on my own, so no break. They had 2 hours out in the fields this morning (horses). Garden this afternoon with paddling pool. 4yr old did an hour of reading/numbers/writing. Play doh. Tv.

I'm whacked, the house is a tip, I'm hungry. And tired. And I need to do some work.

Wtf is wrong with them? Where does the energy come from??

I think it's just lockdown.

They're just not getting the physical or mental stimulation that they would normally. I know loads and loads of kids (and adults) having the same problem.

Can you just leave 4yo to it? Maybe give some books to look at, but make it clear it's bedtime and they must stay in their beds. At least then you can get on with what you need to do.

They share a room, so it's difficult to do that really. They are being really active, probably not getting so much mental stimulation but still getting quite a bit.

I saw a thread last night about how much work single parents could get done WFH, all sorts of suggestions like work before they get up, after they've gone to bed (so after 9pm last night and before 6.30 this morning.....) give them lego/play doh and work for 1.5 hours. Laughable. For me anyway.