6yo who won't sleep

[aliphil]

I'm at my wits' end with 6yo DD. Until maybe 6 months ago she was a pretty good sleeper. Now she keeps herself awake telling stories until 9.30 or 10 pm or even later, then gets all wound up because she's so tired and scries for another half hour or more. It's awful trying to get her up in the mornings and we have screaming and crying about going to school more days than not. (She seems to enjoy school when she's actually there though.)

I don't know what to do. We have what I thought was a pretty good bedtime routine - bath, story, guided meditation if she wants one (this was a friend's suggestion to help with sleep), then lights out. She complains that she can't sleep in the dark; I've resisted putting the light on but she does have a little night light. She just won't settle down. Help ...!

Oh girl!
You both are exhausted!!
Since she is 6 she is old enough for a conversation.Point out what's happening like you did here and that it cannot continue.
But first have a heart to heart.
Ask questions, do you feel nervous about school,who do you play with on the playground, what is your favorite and least favorite part of the day?
Don't interrogate,but get on her level....
It may just be a long frustrating phase or there may be something elsewhere that she hasn't mentioned.
My 16 year old still brings up the time she got in trouble in Pre-K.Her teacher told her to turn off her voice bc they where in line to leave the classroom.To her she got in trouble!!!!
So you just never know.
Good luck to you.
I know it's hard sometimes 💘

If she likes a story to fall asleep to maybe a slightly dull audiobook would stop her telling her own in her head and allow her to drift off?

Thanks for the replies. Sorry I didn't answer before, we had a bit of a family crisis - nothing we can't sort out but it's been taking my time and attention these last few days! We talk quite a bit about school as we walk there and back which can be good chatting time, and nothing's come up that seems to be bothering her. She got a head teacher's award on Friday and was scared of having to stand up in front of the whole school, but as she only heard about this on Thursday it can't have been bothering her earlier in the week! Maybe it is just a phase. DH says she's a lot better when I'm out and babysitters have no trouble at all.

Family crisis, perfect timing right!!(it's not funny,it just seems to happen at the worst possible times).
Well maybe it's just a phase and that's a good thing.Hope all goes well with your family, especially for your little girl and you ❤️

If she can't sleep with the lights out, turn the bedside light on. And how about some relaxation music for her ? I use it myself , it stops your brain from spinning around at night. Good luck.

We had this with DD. She complained she simply could not ever get to sleep. So after reading a story we put an audio book on (bedtime fm). Made a playlist of the most boring of the stories (nothing involving trolls/witches etc) and seems to really help her with having something to listen to.

I think her mind was keeping her up, this has really helped.

Hi aliphil! As a Yoga Instructor, our sessions always replicate a sleepy, mindful atmosphere... and so what I would recommend for your little one is a Guided Breathing Activity just before your bedtime routine. This is a great way for you and your child to bond if you want to do it together and is through controlling your breathing you will naturally be well rested and ready for bed! If you want, I can send you a Meditation Activity Sheet to get you started:)