Once upon a time, I had a picture-perfect bedtime routine with my kids. We’d start with a bath, enjoy a show, have some playtime, sing a little ditty, read a story, and then it was lights out. Sure, it wasn’t always flawless—my little ones didn’t magically drift off the moment I closed the door—but at least I felt like I was on the right track. All the parenting guides preached the importance of a consistent bedtime routine, and mine was as solid as a rock. Not even a Greek hero could budge it.
Then came summer, and everything spiraled out of control.
With my partner working longer hours, he got home later, which meant dinner got pushed back, followed by bath time. And let’s not even get started on that pesky sun, which decided to linger until 8 p.m. before setting! Before I knew it, my kids were staying up until 9—or even 10 o’clock on some nights—and our sweet little bedtime rituals were thrown out the window.
Somehow, bedtime had morphed into a punchline, and I discovered I didn’t mind at all.
Of course, there are nights when I wish they’d be asleep by 7:30. I mean, what parent wouldn’t want that? And yes, the predictability of a routine does sound appealing sometimes. But let’s be real: even with a strict schedule, there’s no guarantee that your kids will stick to it and sleep before you can finally switch on the TV. So instead of battling them over bedtime, we opted to enjoy those late evenings together.
Now, my kids usually hit the hay when it’s clear they’ve hit their exhaustion wall or when my husband and I have had enough of the delightful screeching from our 4-year-old, and we send them off to their room. This flexible approach allows us to make the most of our evenings without the nagging pressure of a strict bedtime.
Late-night grocery runs? No problem! We don’t have to fret about “But we can’t leave after 7, or the kids will never sleep.” We just bundle them up and head out whenever we please. If my husband is late from work, the kids still get to spend time with him when he arrives home, which is invaluable for our family. And if we’re at a friend’s place enjoying the evening, we don’t need to constantly check the clock, worried that chaos will ensue if we don’t get home in time.
The cherry on top? They sleep in until 8 or 9 most mornings! Gone are the days of 5 a.m. wake-ups, which has this mom feeling absolutely joyous.
Soon enough, they’ll be off to school, and a bedtime routine will become essential for their growth and success. Education and extracurricular activities will dictate their sleep schedule, which means less time for me to enjoy their company. So, while we have this beautiful free-for-all, I’m determined to relish it. I’ll soak up those late-night cuddles, sleep in with them, and cherish each moment while I can. No more stressful bedtime rituals for us, and I intend to savor this while it lasts.
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In summary, bedtime might have turned into a whimsical affair in my household, but I’ve embraced the chaos and flexibility it brings. It’s a reminder to enjoy these moments while they last, as the routine will soon take over.