9 yo bedtime "being bored" - frustrated

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This child has always been high maintenance at bedtime.

Things were better for a while with a lot trial and error. Found a short amount of 1/2-1 in room the. audio books worked well.

Now claiming to be bored at bedtime. Flopping about bed, floor, not getting stuff done like teeth. It's all so boring apparently. I've asked what is meant by it and it's all boring is the best I can get. Child seems to want a list of entertainment either with me or to do alone when I think the light should be off.

I'm having a rough time with the older sibling right now and this is impacting I am sure. However I need a fix as I am spent- managing older one and after years of bullshit at bedtimes from this one. I'm probably not handling this well as my brain is fried by the other stuff.

I'm not even sure it's the time as if we go to bed early or late same stuff occurs. Just makes it later and later

Anyone have advice ?

'Short amount of 1-2-1' and 'rough time with sibling' might suggest he's missing your attention?

Can you spend a bit more time with him at bed time: "hurry up with teeth then we can read this book together/you can tell me all about your Gameworld /whatever he might enjoy WITH YOU" so he has something to look forward to?

Thanks. The 1-2-1 mentioned was on top other things. Recently spending approx one hour with this child end to end from going up and leaving in best case scenario. Lots of flopping about refusing to do teeth however much I bribe/ reward etc ! I've run out of things to do other than give iPad which is probably what they are after!

Ds is 9 and similar. This poss isn’t what you want to hear, but it’s time for tough love as bedtimes sort of none negotiable. Especially if you have other stuff going on and need that headspace!

Ds is off gadgets at 7pm and watches cartoons or a tv programme cuddles up worh us till 8. Then he goes up and has a quick shower while I get his uniform ready. He brushes teeth and reads till 8:30 then lights out. I spend a lot of time telling him to get a move on, stop wasting time etc, but because we have been consistent lately (we were hit and miss like you woth ipad before) it’s cut down on a lot of the playing up as he knows there’s no point. You might have a rough few weeks but stick with it….. I feel your pain

Thanks. Tough love is probably right.

I've got both kids into audio books when younger which I now regret as they won't read at bedtime. Really annoys me!