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Dads Should Handle the Bedtime Routine, Giving Moms a Well-Deserved Break
It was about 7:30 PM, and there I was, crouched next to a bathtub filled with two splashing, giggling girls. Mia, our 2-year-old, was busy spraying her 7-year-old sister, Lily, with water. Naturally, Lily retaliated by scooping up bathwater in a cup and launching a counterattack. Meanwhile, I was frantically trying to restore order and reminding them that bathwater is not a beverage — a concept my kids still haven’t grasped. I often think about these chaotic moments when the pediatrician asks if they’re staying hydrated, and I confidently respond, “Absolutely!”
My 9-year-old son, Max, was behind me, trying to negotiate his teeth-brushing time down to one minute instead of the recommended two. Everything has turned into a negotiation with him lately. But with my hands full managing the bath-time antics, I didn’t have time to haggle. All the while, my wife, Sarah, lounged on the couch, engrossed in iPad Yahtzee.
If someone had walked in at that moment, they might have mistaken Sarah for being lazy. However, the truth is that bedtime has become her sacred time to unwind. Until recently, she was at home with the kids full-time, and though she’s now taken a part-time job at their school, she remains the primary caregiver. My work schedule has me pulling double shifts, often leaving the house before the kids wake up and returning long after they’ve gone to bed.
So, when I’m around, I take over the bedtime routine, allowing Sarah to take a well-deserved break. It might only be for an hour or two, but it’s a much-needed reprieve for her. I’m not sure when this arrangement began, but it’s been our reality for quite some time now. And let me tell you, getting three kids under ten ready for bed is akin to wrestling slippery baby seals into pajamas. It’s a sweaty, eye-rolling experience filled with negotiations and chaotic energy. But in the end, getting my kids to bed is one of the most rewarding parts of my day.
Don’t get me wrong; providing for my family is essential. In today’s world, it takes a lot of resources to support a family of five, which means long hours away from home. However, having that dedicated time each evening to be fully present as a dad is invaluable.
Some of my fondest memories with my children come from our bedtime routine. Each night, I get down on all fours and let my middle daughter, Zoe, ride on my back while I pretend to be a horse. She drapes a blanket over me and calls me her “good daddy-horse.” And believe me, when a little girl calls you that, you can’t help but respond with a hearty “Neeeeiiigh!”
Max always insists on a warm hug before bed, and I cherish that moment. I love sitting at the edge of my youngest, Mia’s bed, watching her settle down while she tells me exactly where to sit. The chaos of bedtime is often overwhelming, filled with yelling and pushing, yet in hindsight, it’s those moments that fill me with warmth.
Most importantly, my taking charge of bedtime gives Sarah a much-needed break. Being the primary caregiver to three kids is more than one job; it’s a million roles combined: chef, chauffeur, scheduler, and negotiator, to name a few. Moms deserve time to just relax without little hands tugging at them.
I know many families follow a similar routine where Dad handles bedtime, allowing Mom to unwind. This arrangement can greatly benefit a marriage, as it fosters appreciation and connection between partners while allowing dads to bond with their kids.
Now, I realize this article will likely be read by many moms, and I can already picture some dad getting tagged with a wink emoji, thinking, “Great, just what I need — one more thing to do.” I get it. I’ve been there, feeling the weight of the day and wanting nothing more than to kick back after a long workday. But I can assure you, those moments spent tucking your kids in, even when you’re exhausted, are some of the most precious you’ll ever have.
So, give your wife a break tonight and take over the bedtime routine. You might just find it to be the highlight of your day.
For additional insights on parenting and family dynamics, check out this post on home insemination techniques at Home Insemination Kit. For those interested in the science behind fertility, Science Daily is an excellent resource. And if you’re considering home insemination, Cryobaby’s Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit is a great option to explore.
In summary, taking over the bedtime routine allows dads to bond with their kids while providing moms a much-needed break. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!