What should the bedtime be?

Question

I am 17. I have three younger siblings an 11 year old sister (entering sixth grade), a 13 year old brother (entering 7th grade), and a fifteen year old brother (sophomore). While my dad is gone for the week, I take care of them. What should their bedtimes be?

My dad told me to set their bedtimes.

They start school next week.

The fifteen year old isn't mature enough to choose his own bedtime.

Answer 1

Ideally they should go to bed at the time that will allow themselves to wake up naturally by the time they need to ne up. It could be different for each one. If midnight works then fine, if one needs to be in bed at 7:30 or 8:00 then that when he or she goes to bed. If the sibling hast to go to bed at the earlier time then they need to realize this is the time they need to allow thier body to have the sleep it requires.

Answer 2

6th grader-9:45
&th grader-10:00

Answer 3

Ok....  you asked.  What I believe, is that kids should not have a bed time at all.  And just to set the records straight, I am 49, and my kids are aged 22 and 24.    Now let me explain.  If you want your kids to merely react to what they perceive to be a strict parent...  then by all means.... give them a set bed time.  And evrery night, it will be the same thing.  Ah Gee dad,,,  can't I stay up puhhhhhhlease can I huh huh?

Now if on the otherhand, you would prefer if your children understand the reason why parents establsih bed times...  then try what I did.  When my son asked if he could stay up late, I said of course he could.  I told him that he could stay up all night long if he wanted to.  Afterall, I wasn't planning on sitting next to his bed all night to make sure his eyes were closed.  I did insist however, that he not go outside, that he must not wake me up, and that he IS getting up at 6:30 to go to school.  well the first couple nights he stayed up quite late.  I learned that in school, his friends laughed at him when they caught him snoring in class.  Poor kid...  he was just tired,   And would you believe...  by the 3rd night, my son came to me and gave me a hug, said goodnight and that he was tired and was going to bed.  "So early?" I said.  It was earlier than most of his friends parents had set for their bed times.  What do you know...  I was able to teach my childen the reason behind the rule...  without ever having had enforcing one on them.  And you know....  I was always viewed by all their friends...  as the "coolest" dad!   (Shhh...  little did they know!  hahahaha)