How much sleep does nine year old need

pina colada

Tue, Feb 19 2008, 9:48 pm

My dd always had a hard time falling asleep. When she was younger, she would lie in bed a long time with her pacifier. She is nine years old now and often does not fall asleep until 10:00 or sometimes even later. She has wake for school at about 7:15 and is usually very tired. Is she getting enough sleep? Any ideas to help her fall asleep? I usually allow her to read until about 9:15. Any suggestions? shock

Motek

Thu, Feb 21 2008, 5:31 pm

See the thread, "How much sleep do they need?/what's bedtime like by you?" in Children's Health

madys

Thu, Feb 21 2008, 8:26 pm

What is she doing before bed?

Try to do some quiet reading time earlier than bedtime, or maybe try playing classical music in her room very quietly to soothe her. If there's a TV in your house make sure it is OFF at least an hour berfore bed. Ours is off at 7, no ifs, ands or buts!!

My girls' bus comes at 7:15, so I need them up at 6:45 - Bedtime is at 8, and they are allowed to read in bed until 8:30. Weekends, I'm not so firm, but I can't deal with cvetchiness early in the morning.

By the way my kids are 9, almost 7 and 4 - they all go to bed at the same time.