Here’s the plot twist: an 8-year-old who is over-tired acts exactly like a crackhead squirrel. They get hyper. They argue about the meaning of juice. They claim they can hear the neighbors breathing.
If your kid is suddenly asking for a fourth snack or throwing a fit about pajama tags, that’s not bad behavior. That’s their little brain screaming “I’m exhausted, but I’m too wired to admit it!” Start the bedtime routine 15 minutes earlier tomorrow. You’ll thank me.
What Time Should 8 Year Old Go Bed at Kate Terry blog
The Bedtime Routine: Make It Boring (That’s the Point)
Don’t wing it. An 8-year-old needs a routine that’s like a boring, predictable sitcom. Brush teeth. Pajamas. One story. Lights out. No negotiation. No “just one more chapter.”
If you want to feel like a villain, try this: set a timer. “Okay, you have 20 minutes until the lights are off.” Watch them panic. It’s hilarious (and effective). The less talking, the faster they sleep.
