Clocks changing

[wkmmum]

Since the clocks went back it's been an absolute nightmare getting DS to go to sleep. He's always been a really good sleeper and other years we've had no problems when the clocks have gone back. But for some reason this year is different.

It's taking between an hour and an hour and a half for him to get to sleep. And even that wouldn't be so bad but he's not even getting up any later in the mornings! He has a blackout blind so it's fairly (although not totally) dark in his room.

Last night I told him that every time he got up he'd lose pocket money. So he didn't come out of his room but I could still hear him playing in his bed!

The problem is this happens for a few days at a time until he's so exhausted that he goes straight to sleep at bedtime. Then it happens for a few more days and the cycle repeats itself. And in the meantime he gets more and more grumpy and quick to get upset etc so I know he needs more sleep.

Does anyone have any ideas what to do? Cos I'm all out of them! xx

[monica]

Hi

I dont' know how much physical activity your son gets, but perhaps getting him to play in the garden, running about etc more late pm so he's physically more tired?

I know exactly what you mean because my lo has been the same. Maybe the fact it's been such a long and dreary winter is one reason why the kids are being messed around by the clock change?

Good luckx

[chica]

I can sooo relate to this, especially as my twins got older, and it was also but mummy its not really dark yet
As Monica has suggested would any form of exercise help just before bedtime (although I know that this can sometimes make children even more hyper) or a nice relaxing bath, or I would also say to mine, that they could listen to some music etc., just so long that they were resting. I also too did take away pocket money and took away treats, and then did a reward chart, as in if they managed to stay in bed and not get up again (unless there obviously was a problem) then if they could do that for maybe 5 nights in a row, then we would do something fun together, maybe make some cakes, or I would take them to the park etc.,

It really is a nightmare, and I can really sympathise, hope some of the above may help.

xxxxxxx

[winegirl]

I have been having the same problem!! I figures it would have evened out by now but she is still getting up at the same time yet going to sleep an hour to an hour and a half later!! AAAGH.

Cant blame it being lighter as she has black out blinds.. honestly I have been going to sleep the same time as LO!

[wkmmum]

Having had a couple of nights being told he'd lose pocket money every time he got out of bed, I think we've finally cracked it! I think initially the clocks changing did mess him up but then it started to become a habit and behavioural xx

[monica]

Well done! Horray.I do agree with you - what starts off as time diff related issues turns into bad habit.

We put lo to bed at 9.35pm and did thecontrolled crying thing for about 40mins before he fell asleep. He ended up in with his two brothers who somehow ended up in our bed and I went to my son's bed - musical beds!