Should a 7 1/2 year old go to bed on her own without the parent "putting her in bed"?

Question

Should a 7 1/2 year old be able to go upstairs and get into bed on their own without the parent having to take time out to "get them in bed"? What age is old enough?

Answer 1

I think its okay for that age child to do that, however I think tucking in and reading bedtime stories should last for a long time. I think it makes kids feel more secure.

Answer 2

If it is such an impoition to put your 7 1/2 year old to bed what are you going to do when it comes time to do other things with your child?
At 7 1/2 they can put themselves to bed. That does not mean that they should. For a child to feel secure they should have all the love that you can show them.

Answer 3

Hey,

I think as a parent bedtime is an important time of the day for both parents and children and sometimes all they need to get them into bed is a story.

However at 7 and a half if you would rather your child was going to bed on their own you could do what I have done with my 8 year old and sit them down and draw up a routine chart have a set bed time and just explain to him/her that this is just some independance training throw a few other things in there too like getting him/her self ready for school etc. It took me 2 weeks of a routine chart and rewards and my son now tells me when it's bed time and he's gone! if you would like a sample of the chart I used email me at [e-mail].

Answer 4

Yes, she should be able to do that. Tell her after she is done brushing her teeth and getting in to bed that you will come up. She is old enough. Some children just like the comfort of having their parent tuck them in and kiss them goodnight and I think that is fine. You could turn out the lights and help her to say her prayers. It is a comforting routine and shows your love for your child. It is something they will always remember. If they use not going upstairs as an excuse to stay up later, then that would have to end and I would encourage them to go up by themselves and call me when they were in bed so I could come up and kiss them goodnight. (I always liked to read a book each night to my children or read a Bible story to them. It is something that means so much to them and to me. We would talk about our prayers and then would pray together. It made us a closer family, too. They grow up so fast so you might consider spending an allotted time with them each night before they go to bed.)

Answer 5

Although I think that a 7 1/2 year old could put themselves to bed, they usually need to be told to get going to shower and pjs ect. My 8 year old (just turned 8) goes and gets in bed by herself, but my husband goes in and tucks them all in, even our 16 year old and 12 year old son. That is the ritual in our house mom hugs everyone night and dad does the tucking in . My kids love this ritual as my husband was on nights for the past year and just recently went back to days so he can now do this ritual with them.

I dont think I would look at it as having to take time out, I mean it will only take a few moments but the child can remember it for a life time.
Maybe set a time , you must go up and be in bed by 8 pm and I will be up by 8:15 to tuck you in, this helps them do things themselves but also lets mom or dad say night sweet dreams and tuck them.

Answer 6

My boys are 5 and 3 and they go to bed on their own just fine. I'd think a 7 year old should be able to do this.

Answer 7

I used to always feel safer when my parents tucked me in as a child. The child will grow out of it, I did. I don't see what the big problem is with giving your kid a kiss goodnight. I mean, 7 1/2 is still young. As long as the parent isn't actually sleeping next to the child or letting the child sleep in their bed, I don't see why a simple tuck-in is bad.

Answer 8

I think that's probably old enough. But, like someone else said, it doesn't take that long to tuck them in at night. My daughter is 7 1/2 and loves for me to comb her hair and tuck her into bed before kissing her good night. I figure it won't be long before she thinks she's 'too grown up' for tucking in and mom's good night kisses, so I'll take it while I can get it!

Answer 9

definite, and the right age to be waiting to stand up and gown on his/her very own. yet after 5 or 10 minutes a discern or dad or mum could spend some high quality time with the toddler. purely a splash chat with regard to the day long previous via, or it supplies an oppotunity for the toddler to off load something which would be inflicting him/her any issues and to be reassured. finally a loving kiss and being tucked in will settle the toddler and he/she would be able to drop of to sleep contently. No greater age decrease. childrens will appreciate you greater for this.

Answer 10

I agree with lady31. They might be old enough to go to bed on their own but you should enjoy the time with them. You make it sound like you are too busy or they're a bother to you. Enjoy them while they are young and still want you in their life.

Answer 11

Children should have their parents put them to bed until they don't want you to anymore. The world is a rough place, and at the end of the day your kids need you to tell them you love them, tuck them in, and make them feel as secure as possible. It is also a good chance to have any little one on one chats that you may feel needed.