Are there any healthy appropriate ways to get an 11 year old night owl to get to sleep before 11 every night?

Question:

Much of my family (father's side, that's me) are night owls. I had a terrible time as a kid getting to sleep before 11, 11:30 and so does my son. He will "go to the bathroom" (for long stretches); ask for cereal; go into the kitchen and swing his baseball bat for "practice"; attempt to talk to me while I'm up reading; anything but stay in bed and fall asleep. He doesn't take naps in school, or after, so I'm not sure he's tired; but he's only getting about 8 hours of sleep a night which we feel is too little. Only rarely does he just fall out at 9:30 or 10 am. I hear both sides from different professionals: either, there's little you can do to change this kid; or you probably can re-set his clock by insisting (somehow) that he stay in bed, even with the lights out by 9:30 or 10 pm. We're totally lost as parents as to how to help this kid. Giving up just doesn't feel responsible and there are no schools that start at 10 am. What to do? David and Judy.

Answers:
You must get him out of bed in time to have a proper breakfast, preferably with the rest of the family, in time for him to leave for school. Make it impossible for him to stay in bed.
After school and in the early evening make sure he is physically tired - lots of exercise (you may even have to join in!).
Enforce a 'going to bed to sleep routine' which might include a small supper and a final 30-60 minute reading time whilst in bed. There should not be any distractions such as a radio, TV, music, etc. - just peace and quiet. Do not give in to requests for any distractions.
Switch off the light, remove the light bulbs if necessary, when it is time to sleep and provide a glass of water or juice, but no more.
Ignore further requests.
Enforce your routine with sanctions. Do not be 'soft'.
He will moan and complain. Ignore this. Children are very adaptable and eager to please. Be Strong.

Other Answers:
any way you can think of to get ur son in bed before 11pm is healthy.

I didn't even read your question. but i am going to take a stab at it and say start taking everything out of his room that is electronic.Oh and if u tryed that, sorry. I have always wondered why exactly we all have to get up at such n such an hour were not all robots! are we? mabey there isn't anything u can do. Mabey thats just who he is.

More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.

Are there any healthy appropriate ways to get an 11 year old night owl to get to sleep before 11 every night?

Health Resources