Sleeping - Glendale, AZ

Well not sure how old he is?? But most young kids don't have a strong sense of time and a schedule should only take a few days to adapt to if he is young. My kids use to be on a late schedule and when I accepted a FT job I had to get them on a routine. They were age 2 and 3. It took me a few days and wasn't bad at all.

I suggest making him wake up at a certain time at first maybe just a few hours earlier and move that up every day and put him down a bit earlier everyday. In my case my kids use to go to bed at 1030PM. So I started by putting them down at 9PM then 8PM but they adapted very well and really did not seem to notice. I know you are exhausted! I am also 7 mos pregnant! Them both being on a schedule is wonderful! THEy are now age 3 and 4.

How old is your son? I would try getting him up around 7 or 8 each morning and don't let him sleep until the naptime you would prefer, or until night if he's older.

Hi Steph,
You didn't say how old your son is but here's my advice. Establish a consistent bedtime routine. I spent 30-60 minutes reading to/with my daughters every night until they were 8-10 yrs old. My younger daughter went through a phase where she was hungry at bedtime (probably a growth spurt), so she had a bowl of cereal before bed for 6 months or so. I think she was 4 or 5.
You might have to gut it out for a few days but put him to bed at an acceptable time and wake him up the next day when you want to get your day started. Keep him busy and awake all day. If he still naps, keep it short or discontinue naps altogether. You can get him started on 'quiet time' in the afternoons so you'll be able to put your feet up when your new baby gets on a schedule.
Good luck! From E. (mother of 4)

That sounds really though. Do you have a set bedtime routine? Reading, bath, song, prayer (if you're religious)? Also turing on an ultrasonic mist humidifier mesmarizes children and can make them feel sleepy, turning off lights but leaving on a special night light. You've probably tried these tricks.

Once I read in a Love and Logic book that if your child has a safe room to tell your child it is okay if they want to stay up but they can't leave their room. Instead of referring to a "bed-time" you tell your child he/she will have "a little bed-room time." No matter how long they play or read it's alright. However, the next morning you wake them up at their regular time and schedule to have regular activities during the day, not allowing your child to sleep at undesignated times.

S.
It sounds like his clock is off.....the suggestions you are getting for waking him up around the time he used to get up is great. His clock needs to be reset so to speak. It happens to everyone who changes time zones. Keep him up and wake him up on YOUR time schedule. It will be hard for the first few days. Hang in there!
B.

Hi S.,

Just turn out all the lights at a certain time and go to bed. If he is able to turn them on, just unscrew the light bulbs. This worked with my kids.

Have a healthy baby!
Cath

S.-
First, welcome to the area!! :)
I think your best bet is getting him up in the morning around 7 or 8 and keeping him up until either nap time or bed time. It will be rough for a couple of days because he'll be tired, but at then his clock will reset and he'll be good to go!
Good luck!!
C.