Description of discipline technique:
Up until recently it's been a struggle to get our 10-year-old to go to bed on time. Almost every night, her 9:30 bedtime was stretched and modified to accommadate teeth brushing, extra water, cloths preperation, etc., until many times it was 10:00 or later, resulting in crankiness, and over-sleeping in the morning.

Two months ago we instituted the "Bedtime Flex Plan" in our home. While our daughter's bedtime is still 9:30, she is free to stay up as later as she wants, 9:45, 10:00, even 11:00---but there is a price to pay. For each minute that she exceeds her 9:30 bedtime by, she must deduct that minute from the following night's time. If she is slow getting to bed, or wants to watch a TV program that's important to her, she's free to stay up until 9:50 anytime she wants. But, she must go to bed the next night at 9:10.

Presto!!! No more bedtime problems. NONE. Now the "accountablity" for getting in bed on time in on her---not us the parents. And rarely does she even use the "flex time."

Now, our daughter even likes the new system. The structure gives her a clear system to adhere to, and there is no more need for any more bedtime discipline. Her mood is much better in the morning and she hasn't over-slept once since we started this idea.

I would reccoment this technique for any parent that struggles with their child in regard to bedtimes.

It works.

Appropriate age group(s):
5-15