My girlfriend always puts a movie on for her 6-year-old son to fall asleep, and it’s become an every-night ritual

 


"My girlfriend always puts a movie on for her 6-year-old son to fall asleep, and it’s become an every-night ritual, along with melatonin to help him sleep because we believe he has ADHD. I don’t think this is a healthy habit. On nights without melatonin, he takes longer to fall asleep, but the TV seems to make him more dependent on it. Last night, he was grounded for acting up at school, but by evening, he was out of his room, watching a movie on the living room couch to fall asleep.
On weekends, I understand staying up later for a movie, but on school nights, I feel he should be in his room, falling asleep without the TV or being carried to bed after. I’ve never given my 9-year-old daughter melatonin and wonder if this situation is different because of his possible ADHD. Also, he consumes a lot of sugar—juice, candy, cookies—and I wonder if that’s making it worse. Any advice from parents with ADHD kids would be appreciated!"

My Take: First, it’s great that you’re invested in creating healthier habits for your girlfriend’s son. Sleep struggles are common with ADHD, but it sounds like the current routine—movies, melatonin, and sugar—might be working against him rather than for him.

Here are some ideas to try:

  1. Phase Out the TV Gradually:

    • Suggest replacing the movie with something soothing but less stimulating, like an audiobook or calming music. Transition slowly to avoid pushback.
    • Create a bedtime routine focused on winding down: dim lights, a warm bath, and quiet activities like coloring or reading.

  2. Address Melatonin Use:

    • Melatonin can help with ADHD-related sleep struggles, but it’s most effective when paired with a consistent bedtime routine. Over-reliance can mask underlying issues like too much evening stimulation.

  3. Limit Sugar Before Bedtime:

    • While sugar doesn’t “cause” hyperactivity, it can disrupt blood sugar levels and energy regulation. Suggest swapping out sugary snacks with healthier options like fruit or yogurt.

  4. Grounding Consistency:

    • Gently bring up the importance of following through on consequences. If being grounded means no TV, sticking to that boundary reinforces discipline and consistency.

  5. Collaborative Problem-Solving:

    • Frame these changes as a way to help him feel better and sleep better, rather than as a punishment. Engage your girlfriend in brainstorming solutions together.

Helpful Resources:

  1. "Taking Charge of ADHD" by Dr. Russell Barkley – A trusted guide for managing ADHD in kids, available on Amazon.
  2. The Sleep Lady's Good Night, Sleep Tight – Offers gentle, practical strategies for improving kids’ sleep routines.

And remember: Change takes time. Focus on small, consistent improvements rather than overhauling everything overnight.

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