What time do your kids go to bed?

[MamaMaiasaura]

Just wondered what other parents do.

DS aged 7 starts getting ready for bed around 7pm, bath/shower etc. He is usually in bed by or before 7.30pm and has story time, cuddle and song and goes to sleep. Usually all asleep by 8pm. At weekend I let him stay up a little later to watch Dr Who.

Lots of other parents seem to have later bedtimes for their kids. DS hasnt complained about bedtime being 7.30 and goes to bed when asked.

Interested in grumpyoldhorsewoman on 18 may with daughter aged 12 going to sleep at 11. My DD1 is 11 - and lousy sleeper from day she was born. She goes through periods of sleeping badly, like when she's in a growing spurt. We've had a recent one due to anxiety about Sats and was often awake till midnight / 1 am. And yes, drove me crazy. Tried lots of relaxation techniques which made me sleepy but not her! Made me cross the way the school put a lot of pressure on these children about these tests but that's another story.

Took her to GP - because with this lack of sleep she has had two nasty bugs - GP told us firmly she must go to bed 8.30pm and not disturb us at all, and just lie there till she goes to sleep. It has worked a bit, she is more rested and her stamina is better. I like the forced separation so I can have a bit of an evening. But I think she will always be a poor sleeper.

For those of those with late sleepers consider melatonin. I was v skeptical at first and went along with the 'just put them to bed a bit earlier each night' thing but it never worked. If your child is genuinely not tired then they won't sleep. People (including children obviously) vary in when their brains produce melatonin which makes them sleepy. Doesn't matter for v little ones but for those who have to get up for school it can be a problem. It is completely natural and no prescrption needed although you have to get it through your GP/pediatrician. ds won't always be on it, the idea is that it will just shift his body clock back slightly so he will feel tired earlier in the day.

My DS is 4 months and goes to bed when we do at 11.30pm. Having read lots of your routines i'd say we're quite original! She gets up at 8.30ish

DS1 (age six) goes to bed at 7:15 pm
DD (age five) goes to bed at 7:00 pm
DS2 (age three) goes to bed at 6:30 pm
DS3 (age two) goes to bed at 6:30 pm