DS6 won't go to bed!!!!!!!!

[xyz111]

He used to go to bed so well. Read 2 books, snuggle down and go to sleep. But the last few weeks he goes to bed, then gets up and plays Lego, does drawing, reads books. Nothing stops him!! So now he's going to sleep about 9:30, then he's tired the next day, naughty at school. But I just can't get him to go to sleep!!! He hasn't been allowed him iPad time for the past 3 days as we said he could have it when he goes to bed at a good time, but he doesn't seem bothered. Arghhhhhhhhh!!!!!! It means I get no evening to relax. No me time!!!

He's still awake!!

Where are the Lego and drawing materials? Are they in his room?

Yes in his room. He used to play for 10 mins and then go to bed, but that's got longer and longer. Tonight I'm taking all the Lego out... I don't mind if he reads in bed as that tends you make you sleepy

Taking the Lego out sounds like a good idea, if you've got the too to put them elsewhere.

I used to leave a few books within east reach and make it clear they could read as long as they were in bed.

Phase.
Advice = tire him out with mental stimulation and some good old running around in the park.
Why? He's not sleeping because he's not sleepy.

I feel your pain OP! Our 6yo has recently started staying awake really late too (think 10.15 the other night, argh) I’ve decided to move bedtime a bit later as she’s obviously not as tired as she used to be, and I know how it feels to lie there for ages not tired, and you sort of miss the tired window if you know what I mean? Anyway, it’s clearly a thing at this age to be able to stay awake for longer.