In the realm of parenting, opinions on child-rearing practices can be starkly divided. Topics such as nutrition, discipline methods, and educational choices often lead to passionate debates among parents. One area that elicits strong feelings is children’s bedtimes.
From my observations, parents generally fall into two categories: (1) those who enforce an early bedtime with unwavering strictness, and (2) those who allow their kids to stay up without a set schedule. I proudly identify with the first category; I am quite particular about my children’s sleep routines.
For instance, when a friend invited my family to enjoy fireworks last Fourth of July, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Fireworks typically start after sundown, likely around 9:30 p.m. By that time, my children are already two hours into their slumber. That’s right—our household observes a strict 7:30 p.m. bedtime. Thanks to Daylight Savings Time, there are even times of the year when my little ones are tucked in before the sun sets.
From the moment my daughters were born, I diligently established a routine that included an early bedtime. Our family embraces the mantra of “early to bed, early to rise.” Regardless of when they fall asleep, I can always count on my two-year-old serenading me awake with cheerful songs well before dawn. While this is adorable, it also means I can’t enjoy sleeping in, as young children don’t grasp the concept of a leisurely morning.
As toddlers and infants, my kids are blissfully unaware of the world around them. They don’t realize that other children are still outside playing or that we often decline evening events. My belief? Ignorance is bliss. When my children are well-rested, they’re happier—and that happiness translates to my own well-being. In our home, sleep equates to joy. So for now, I prioritize my children’s rest over a bustling social life.
I often find myself intrigued, yet non-judgmental, about families whose children stay up significantly later than mine. I recently marveled at a friend’s four-year-old who watched the New Year’s Eve ball drop. “You’re keeping him up for special occasions?” I asked, genuinely surprised. We share a mutual understanding that our parenting styles differ, and that’s perfectly fine.
Nonetheless, I sometimes lose sight of the fact that not all families operate on the same schedule. There are children who remain awake until 9 p.m. or even later. While that may work for some, it certainly doesn’t suit my daughters. I remind myself that others may react with astonishment about my children’s early bedtime, asking, “Your kids are asleep by 7:30!?” That’s okay.
Perhaps my friend’s children are the type who sleep in later or can manage without a full night’s rest. That wouldn’t work for my girls, though. I personally appreciate the early bedtime because it affords my husband and me some precious moments together in the evening—time to reconnect without the constant demands of little ones.
Will my children maintain this early bedtime forever? Certainly not. There are rare occasions when special events may push back bedtime. However, as I look ahead, I recognize that while the immediate future will likely consist of early nights, my children will eventually experience life beyond 7:30 p.m. Who knows? They may even catch a glimpse of fireworks someday.
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Summary:
Establishing a strict bedtime routine for my children is essential to ensuring their happiness and well-being. While many parents have different approaches, prioritizing sleep has proven beneficial for our family. Early bedtimes afford us quality time together, and though this routine may evolve over time, I appreciate the current dynamics it promotes in our household.