In contemporary parenting discourse, there exists a significant divergence of opinions regarding child-rearing strategies. Topics such as dietary choices, discipline methods, and educational paths often lead to polarized viewpoints among parents. The matter of bedtime schedules for children is no exception.
From my observations, parents typically fall into one of two camps: those who enforce an early bedtime with strict adherence, and those who adopt a more lenient approach, allowing their children to stay up later without a defined schedule. I readily acknowledge that I belong to the former group, proudly embracing my role as a bedtime enforcer.
Last year, a friend invited my family to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July. Fireworks, I mused, typically occur after dark, likely around 9:30 p.m. or later. By that time, my children would already have been asleep for two hours! Indeed, our household adheres to a 7:30 p.m. bedtime, which, due to Daylight Savings Time, means my children are often tucked in before the sun has set.
From the moment my daughters entered the world, I dedicated myself to establishing a structured schedule, prioritizing an early bedtime. Our family subscribes to the belief that “early to bed, early to rise” leads to happiness. Regardless of the time they go to sleep, I know I’ll be greeted in the morning by my two-year-old joyfully singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and energetically tapping her feet against the wall. While charming, this routine reinforces my own early bedtime, as young children do not grasp the concept of sleeping in.
For toddlers and infants, bedtime is an abstract notion. They remain oblivious to the outdoor activities of other children or the enticing television shows that air later in the evening. My perspective? Their ignorance is bliss. A well-rested child is a happy child, and when my kids are content, I find joy in the household. Thus, I gladly prioritize their sleep over a vibrant social life.
I often find myself intrigued, though never judgmental, by parents whose children stay up much later. “I can’t believe he stayed up to watch the ball drop!” I exclaimed to a close friend about her four-year-old. “I love keeping the kids up for special occasions,” she responded enthusiastically. Our friendship allows for playful banter on our differing views regarding bedtime.
However, I sometimes need to remind myself that not every family operates like mine. There are indeed toddlers who remain awake until 9 p.m., 10 p.m., or even later. While that routine may suit some families, it is not compatible with our lifestyle. I can imagine other parents expressing astonishment at my children’s 7:30 p.m. bedtime, and that is perfectly fine.
Perhaps children like my friend’s son are simply more capable of sleeping in the following morning. Even if they experience a shorter night’s rest, they might still be manageable the next day. This approach would not work for my daughters.
In truth, I cherish the early bedtime of my children. The hours between their sleep and mine, although brief, provide my husband and me an opportunity to connect and discuss our day without distractions from a toddler or a crying baby.
Will my children maintain this early bedtime indefinitely? Certainly not. There will be occasions, albeit rare, when special events extend their bedtime. While the near future will likely see our family continuing this early schedule, I recognize that eventually they will experience life beyond 7:30 p.m. Perhaps one day they will even have the chance to witness fireworks.
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In summary, the strict bedtime I enforce for my children is not merely a routine; it is a conscious choice that fosters their happiness and reinforces family connections. While our approach may differ from others, the benefits of a well-rested household are undeniable.