Every parent knows the thrill of hearing those magical three words—no, not “I love you” or “I want you,” but rather, “I’ll take care of bedtime.” Honestly, nothing gets me more excited after a long day of parenting than hearing my partner, Jake, offer to handle the nightly chaos. He could tell me we just won the lottery, and I’d barely blink, but when he steps in to manage the bedtime routine, it’s like fireworks going off in my heart.
Don’t get me wrong; my kids are my world. But the mere thought of getting them ready for bed can send me into a mild panic. The endless demands for snacks, drinks, and—let’s not forget—the wardrobe changes can be overwhelming. My toddler, Lily, will pick out pajamas only to change her mind five minutes later, insisting on a completely different pair. One night, she even had to swap out her footed pajamas because she worried they’d hinder her ability to wear her slippers in the morning. Seriously?!
And then there’s the constant tug-of-war over the light. If someone were to peek through our windows at bedtime, they’d think we were hosting a disco party with the light switch flickering on and off like it’s going out of style. And don’t even get me started on Lily’s blanket situation. She insists on having a specific order for her collection of ten blankets. If I place the purple one on top of the pink quilt, it’s total chaos, and we have to start all over again. Just when I think I’ve cracked the code, she switches it up. It’s downright maddening!
Of course, if I dare to deny any of her whims, I doom myself to an extra twenty minutes of negotiations that feel like a scene from a dramatic play. The tears, the stomping, the wailing—it’s all part of the charm of bedtime.
Then, just when you think you’ve finally succeeded in getting them to sleep—full bellies, empty bladders, and all their lovies in place—you sneak out, only to hear that dreaded call: “MOM!!!” It’s as if you’ve forgotten the one thing that would allow them to drift off peacefully. In an instant, you’re back in the thick of bedtime madness.
Sometimes, I admit, I just close the door and dash down the hall to the shower. I relish those few quiet moments, shampooing my hair (which I realize I haven’t done in ages) and enjoying the solitude. I keep the monitor close but may turn it down just enough to tune out the endless calls for one more drink or snack.
So when Jake volunteers to take on the bedtime routine, it feels like the best gift ever. It’s funny how relationships evolve; those early days when hearing “I miss you” would give me butterflies have transformed. Now, it’s all about those little moments of teamwork, and “I’ll do bedtime” is my new favorite phrase.
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In summary, taking on bedtime duties can be the ultimate form of affection in a relationship, transforming a chaotic routine into a romantic gesture.