*clap*
Finally I got my time do this, this morning I read this thread.. It bothers me all day because I really want to say something.. since I could NOT have time to things.. because kids come first.. I put everything aside.. anyway...
Iceriver, dont be offend or take this cricitize.. I might sound like I am .. I am unhappy with your poor son, after I read all posts you posted, I anaylzed and I know something missing.. Ahhh.. Few things I know why, he hasnt been cooperative with you and couldnt sleep..
#1.... He needs you.. He needs your love and attention.. why?
you said.. he refuses to go to bed at 8pm and keep making excuses like I want a drink, I need to go to pee, I want to play, etc anything to avoid going to bed. He ended up going to bed late. Im fed up.
--its tattle tale signs, he is trying to tell you that he wants your affection.. lay down with him on "his" bed.. for like 15 minutes then say good nite.. or fall sleep, slip away.. do that daily route it will become habit, he will know that you are there for him before he fall sleep..
I have tried putting music on, but he didnt like it and wanted me to turn it off.
You can always ask hearing adult or older than teenager to make sure the volume is adjust right.. little bit lower than average and find right channel..
I have tried that but he would throw a fit and crying . At times, he would tell some people how I ve been bad to him.
that's absurd, he must have hear from someone else say that,...try reverse that in postivie and good say.. like "I am not bad mommy but you need listen me, if you dont listen.. I am not happy" something simple for little kids to understand what you mean..
I'm a single mom and I have only one kid. It's hard not to have TV off because if I need to do something, ie cooking, phone call, etc, I cant have him bugging me. We always play after supper. Also, if theres no TV, he always get out of bed several times. Im trying to get my son to fall asleep early and without needing TV, its bad habit. It wasnt my fault but its a long story. I cant wait to move out so it would be just me and my son and stick with a routine easily without anyone else living in the house interfering. So basically, right now, Im trying different things to see if it will work.
Thats part kind of disappointed me.. I understand you are single mother but from what I see, your son despair for you because seems like you and your son are in "difficult time to go through" it stress the small children.. you need to put aside your "time" like phone call, or something.. can always tell someone on phone or computer or pager, that you will get in touch back to them.. find what your son needs.. like if you are cooking, find something for your son attract to and put him on table.. like lay out plain papers with washable markers that would keep him busy.. or Leggos.. something that will keep him busy so he will less bugging you while you cook..
TV needs OFF.. because alot parent(s) using TV as babysitter.. and
cut down on sugar.. give juice or milk instead.. and fruits/veggies (grapes, raisins, carrots, celery).. of course banana but.. snacky.. banana muffins or bread..
You said its not your fault.. well its still fault because you are the parent.. accept the fault, you always can "refix" ........ even tho if the relationship gone sour, get out of there.. think kid come first because it can lead the kid's tramutic real bad or end up have problems..
Also... kids needs go outside for fresh air or wind down their energy just like 30-45 min or more..walk around the block , or teach him riding tricycle.. or play ball.. if he wants stay out.. let it happen.. the more he stay, he will sleep better at night times..
If he still continues, consider about going see Doctor.. either counseling because he is the one who going through difficult times,... I know its important to let child know hes not at the fault.. plus the counselor will help you how to cope this problem..