In today’s parenting landscape, strong opinions and practices often create a rift among caregivers. From dietary choices to discipline methods and educational paths, parents frequently find themselves divided. Bedtime routines for children are no exception to this trend.
My personal experience has led me to identify two distinct types of parents: 1.) Those who enforce an early bedtime and are quite strict about it, and 2.) Those who allow their children to stay up late without a defined schedule. I proudly belong to the first group—yes, I am indeed a sleep control enthusiast when it comes to my kids.
Last year, a friend invited my family to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July. Fireworks? Those typically don’t start until after dark, likely around 9:30 p.m. At that hour, my kids have already been asleep for two hours! In our household, the designated bedtime is 7:30 p.m., and thanks to Daylight Saving Time, they often find themselves in bed well before sundown for half of the year.
From the moment my daughters were born, I made it a priority to establish a consistent schedule, emphasizing an early bedtime. Our family subscribes to the “early to bed, early to rise” philosophy. Regardless of when they drift off to sleep, I know I’ll be greeted in the morning by my two-year-old cheerily singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and joyfully thumping her feet against the wall. Adorable, but oh-so-early! Until they can get up and turn on the morning cartoons themselves, I’m inevitably pulled from my slumber.
Young children often have no understanding of bedtime. They are blissfully unaware that other kids may still be outside playing or that fun evening shows are on TV. My response? Ignorance is bliss. Kids tend to thrive on a full night’s sleep, and when mine are well-rested, it inevitably leads to a happier household. Thus, my mantra is simple: sleep = happiness. I’ll gladly prioritize my children’s rest over a bustling social life any day.
I find it intriguing, though not judgmental, to observe families whose kids stay up much later than mine. “I can’t believe he stayed up to watch the ball drop!” I remarked to my best friend about her four-year-old. “I love letting my kids stay up for special occasions,” she replied enthusiastically. We share a mutual understanding of our differing perspectives, often exchanging playful banter about our choices.
It’s important to remember that every family operates differently. While I might be astonished by the sight of toddlers awake until 9 p.m. or even later, I acknowledge that this routine works for some. In turn, other parents may react with surprise at my kids’ early bedtime: “Your children are asleep by 7:30!?”
Perhaps kids like my friend’s are the sort who can sleep in later in the morning. If they do have a late night, they might still manage to be pleasant the following day. This would never be the case for my daughters, however.
In fact, I genuinely appreciate the early bedtime. The time between their slumber and mine—albeit brief—affords my husband and me the opportunity to connect and discuss our day without interruptions from a clinging toddler or a fussy baby.
Will my kids maintain this early bedtime forever? Absolutely not. Occasionally, special events may push back their usual bedtime, but for now, I relish these early evenings. As they grow, I know they’ll eventually get to experience life beyond 7:30 p.m. Who knows, they might even catch a glimpse of fireworks one day.
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In summary, while I firmly believe in maintaining an early bedtime for my children, I recognize that every family has its own rhythm and schedule. My dedication to my kids’ sleep aligns with my understanding of their happiness and well-being, which ultimately contributes to a harmonious home.