Every parent dreams of hearing those three magic words. No, I’m not referring to “I love you” or “I want you.” I’m talking about the ultimate parenting phrase: “I’ve got bedtime covered.”
Honestly, nothing gets me more in the mood than when my partner steps in and offers to take on the bedtime routine after a long day with the kids. He could come in and say, “We just won the lottery,” and I might not even flinch (okay, maybe I would a little). But when he offers to manage the kids’ bedtime? That makes my heart flutter like a teenager at her first dance.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I adore my children. However, the thought of getting them ready for bed fills me with dread. The never-ending requests for snacks, water, and—my personal favorite—milk can be infuriating. Let me tell you, I rack up my daily steps just by trekking up and down the stairs during that chaotic time. The route from their room to the kitchen and back? A precise 65 steps.
And then, there’s the wardrobe dilemma. My toddler will pick pajamas, only to demand a complete change five minutes later. One night, she insisted on changing out of her footie pajamas because she thought she couldn’t wear her slippers the next morning. What logic is that?
The light situation is no better. If anyone were to peek into our home during bedtime, they would think we’re hosting a disco party. Light on, light off—repeat. It goes on for what feels like an eternity.
And let’s not forget the blanket situation—my daughter needs about ten blankets, each arranged perfectly. If I dare put the purple crochet blanket on top of the pink quilt, we have to start all over again. I might think I’ve nailed it the next night, only to find that the arrangement has mysteriously changed. It’s enough to make me want to tie all the blankets together and use them as a makeshift escape route out of her second-story window.
Refusing any of her little demands results in a 20-minute tantrum, complete with dramatic sobbing and stomping. It’s a nightly routine that I’ve come to expect.
Just when you think you’ve successfully tucked them in—full tummies, empty bladders, blankets in place, and stuffed animals perfectly positioned—you quietly tiptoe out, only to hear, “MOM!!!” It’s like a punch to the gut, reminding you that you must have overlooked some crucial bedtime necessity. Your moment of triumph fades away, and the chaos resumes.
I’ll be honest; sometimes I just close the door and make a run for the shower. I take my time, wash my hair (when was the last time I did that?!), shave my legs (definitely been over two weeks—oops), and relish the quiet. Sure, I keep the baby monitor nearby, but sometimes I turn the volume down. I can hear if there’s an emergency, but not the constant repetition of my name because she’s convinced she needs “just one more snack” or another sip of water.
So when my partner voluntarily offers to take over the bedtime madness, I am all in. It’s the best thing he could say at that moment.
It’s fascinating how relationships evolve. In the early days of dating, hearing “I miss you” sent butterflies through my stomach. Then came “I love you,” “Will you marry me?” and “I do.” In marriage, it transformed to “Let’s start a family,” or “You look amazing.” But now? Those phrases barely register. “I’ll handle bedtime?” Yes, please! Whatever you need, darling. Love you tons.
For more parenting insights and tips, check out our other posts, like this one on how to navigate home insemination with resources like Healthline and Make a Mom.
Summary:
Managing bedtime routines can be a challenging task for parents, often leading to stress and exhaustion. However, when one partner steps in to take over, it can be a game changer, fostering intimacy and appreciation in the relationship. Parenting evolves, and so do the simple words that resonate most within a marriage.