We also have bedtimes for the adults in the household too because everyone needs to rest. It always come down to being a good role for children. Establishing good sleep hygiene is important and establishing healthy rituals around bedtimes is important. Everyone needs plenty of rest to reenergise and be ready to take on each day.

It is so essential to have a bedtime routine and to adhere to it because everybody needs to rest, sleep and reenergise. We discussed the teen years and sleep and 8.30 – 9pm was an agreed time to head to individual bedrooms for rest, reading, soft music and then time for sleep.

We never had a bedtime for our oldest two. They were responsible and took themselves to bed at a decent time when they were tired. My son made it at a certain period a bit to late to bed so struggled to wake up in the morning. I chose not to wake him up for school so he would be too late at school and had to explain himself at school; and that was the end of it, he then took himself on time to bed.
My 3rd was less responsible and at age 13 we set the bedtime of 9pm after which she could read for a bit in bed

In answer to your question we had it around 8.30 to start with 13-14 and then increased it to 9 and that stayed a while. By year 11 and 12 we kept it about 10-10.30 by that age we encouraged them to think about what they had on the next day and let that determine how late they should stay up

The best thing you can do is keep a bed time! I know so many parents in highschool let kids go to bed whenever they want and then regret it later but they then feel like it’s too late to take it back because the kids will only argue and whine

I have always enforced a bedtime and it does depend on the age of the child. Early primary school and pre-school was always 7.30pm, then the later primary years it became 8.30pm. Now my daughter is in grade 7 (turning 13), I allow her until 9pm. In a couple more years it will be 9.30pm. Then in year 11 and 12 I will make it 10pm on school nights.

I never really had strict bedtimes for teens. So long as they were responsible and did what was asked homework completed and chores I let them decide. They seem to have had lights out by 10-11 each night and never failed to be up and dressed for school next day. Talk to them about what you need them to do and make a deal with them. Responsibility starts with trust and communication.

That’s definitely a great question. My kids aren’t teens yet but it will only be a matter of years before my first born becomes one. I would definitely try to encourage and stay consistent with a bedtime routine for them as it’s better for their wellbeing for sure! I’d hate the idea of them not getting the sleep they need.