At what age...

Jane - posted on 12/17/2009

My son is 13 & he has to have everything done by 9 pm. No TV after 9:30 & lights out by 10. I think 8 pm for an 8 year old is a perfect time, maybe when she gets to middle school will be a time to change it to a little later. If she's asking for a later bedtime give her an extra 15 minutes for a couple weeks & then see from there how she does. Sleep is very important for all kids.

Terri - posted on 12/17/2009

Do what works for you and our daughter. There are no set rules. It sounds as if what you are doing is working fine. She's reading when she gets up ,what a fantastic habit! If she gets up early and has her quiet time and is content with that, continue on! When she complains or ask for something different, then decide.

Sharon - posted on 12/17/2009

We had a 9pm bedtime for years but i've pushed it back to 8pm - the kids are 14, 10, & 7 years old. 8pm works much better for them. The teen needs the extra sleep big time, it makes a huge difference for all of us.

Callinda - posted on 12/17/2009

I would think 8pm on a school night would be suitable until they are at least 10-11 years old.

Lorie - posted on 12/17/2009

My son isn't 8, he's 4 bot he goes to be at 7:00 because if he doesn't he isn't nice to anyone in the morning.

I think It all depends on how much sleep your child needs and if they can cope/ do their day to day stuff with not as much sleep.

I hope this helps and good luck

Crystal - posted on 12/17/2009

I have my 11 son go to bed between 8 and 830 because he does not do good during the day with a later bed time. If he is still tired and grouchy I have him go to bed at 8pm on the dot.

Monica - posted on 12/17/2009

My 12 year old still needs an 8:30 bedtime. I will have to wake her at 7:00 sometimes to get ready for school. I believe the 8:00 bedtime gives them the adequate time to get the sleep they need. If my daughter went to bed any later I would be waking her and she would have enough sleep. I want them to get as much sleep as they can before a school day. My three children get up, feed the dogs, put them out and they don't wake me. Be happy your daughter is a bit self sufficient and can function without you.

Brandy - posted on 12/17/2009

I let my 9 year old stay up until 9 and then I see what happens in school and at home if I see he is lacking sleep then I tell him he has to go to bed at 8. but I would try it and see what happens.

Chantelle - posted on 12/17/2009

lol. if its not broken dont fix it. is she complaining about it yet? is she telling you how all her friends stay up late? is she awake long {more than an hour} after being sent to bed every night? answer those questions and then tell yourself that 8pm is perfect for any child 10 and under during the school week.

Amy - posted on 12/17/2009

I let my child decide.. if he goes to bed everynight at 9 and gets up ok in the morning and does well then thats ok.. otherwise if he starts getting tired and such i make him go to bed earlier on that night...

Erica - posted on 12/17/2009

i agree!

Lisa - posted on 12/17/2009

My son is 6 and his bedtime is 8-8:30 but he wakes up on his own anywhere between 6-7 am It is best to have them wake up on their own instead of having to wake them up so I say if she is already getting up on her own push it back to an 8:30 bedtime. test it out see how she does, everychild is different. Good luck

MarySue - posted on 12/17/2009

As far as I'm concerned, evening time is parent's quiet time. If there is a special TV program on or something else going on at 8:00 that you can watch or do together, that's the exception. In my opinion, 8:00 bedtime works all the way through elementary school. Whether or not they go to sleep right away is up to the child. But they should be bathed, brushed, jammied, and in bed by 8:00. They can read if they aren't sleepy right away. But not watching TV or playing with toys.