Once, I had a near-perfect bedtime routine with my children. They would enjoy a warm bath, cuddle up with a show, have some playtime, sing a song, read a story, and then it was lights out. While they didn’t always drift off as soon as I left the room, I took pride in the structure we had established. All the parenting books advocate for a solid nightly routine, and I believed I had nailed it.
Then summer arrived, and everything unraveled.
With my partner, Matt, working extended hours and returning home later, our dinner time crept into the evening. Bath time followed suit, and with the sun setting later, our cherished routine began to slip away. Before I knew it, bedtime had stretched to 9 or even 10 o’clock, and our beloved songs and stories were often omitted.
What I once viewed as a well-orchestrated ritual transformed into pure chaos, yet I found myself surprisingly content with this new norm.
Of course, there are evenings when I yearn for my kids to be fast asleep by 7:30. What parent wouldn’t appreciate that? Consistency would be nice, but I’ve learned that strict schedules don’t always yield the desired outcomes. Even with a set routine, there’s no guarantee your little ones will adhere to it and drift off peacefully before you can finally unwind with some TV time.
So, rather than engaging in nightly battles over sleep, we opted to enjoy those late hours together. Now, my children typically head to bed when they’re visibly exhausted or when Matt and I have reached our limit with the chaos of their antics. This lack of a rigid schedule has granted us the flexibility to make the most of our evenings.
Spontaneous late-night grocery runs are no longer a hassle. We don’t have to fret about being home by 7, fearing a bedtime meltdown. We can pack up and head out since our kids don’t have a strict bedtime. If Matt is late, the kids still get to share precious moments with him when he arrives home, which is invaluable for all of us.
When visiting friends, we no longer feel the pressure to constantly check the clock, worried about getting home for fear of unleashing the chaos of bedtime. Plus, the best perk? They sleep in until 8 or 9 most mornings, which makes this mom incredibly happy.
Soon, they’ll be starting school, and bedtime will take on a new level of importance for their growth and success. Routines dictated by education and extracurricular activities will soon determine their sleep schedules, leading to less time for us to bond.
So, while we’re in this phase of life where structure is more fluid, I plan to savor every moment. I’ll cherish those late-night cuddles, relish sleeping in beside them, and soak up every second of their presence while I can. Goodbye stressful bedtime rituals, and hello to this unique chapter of family life.
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Summary:
Navigating bedtime with children can often feel chaotic, especially when schedules shift unexpectedly. Embracing the unpredictability of late-night routines has allowed for more family time and flexibility. While structure has its advantages, enjoying the present moment with kids is vital, especially before school imposes stricter schedules. Cherishing those late-night cuddles and the absence of stressful rituals can create lasting memories.