Once, my children adhered to a delightful bedtime routine. They enjoyed a relaxing bath, watched a favorite show, engaged in some play, sang a song, read a story, and then it was off to dreamland. While it wasn’t always foolproof—my children didn’t instantly drift off to sleep as soon as I closed the door—I felt reassured that I was following best practices. After all, parenting guides emphasize the importance of a consistent bedtime routine, and mine was as steadfast as a mountain—unmovable.
Then summer arrived, and everything changed.
With my partner working extended hours, he came home later than usual, pushing dinner time back. Bath time followed suit, and as the sun lingered beyond 8 p.m., our story time grew increasingly delayed. Before I knew it, my kids were staying up until 9 or even 10 o’clock, skipping the nightly song entirely. Somehow, bedtime had transformed into a lighthearted affair, and I found that I actually enjoyed it.
Naturally, there are evenings when I wish they would be asleep by 7:30. What parent wouldn’t want that? And, admittedly, there are times when a predictable routine would be welcome. However, rigid schedules aren’t always the solution. Even with a structured routine, there’s no guarantee that your children will adhere to it, allowing you to relax and enjoy your evening.
So instead of battling my children over bedtime, we decided to embrace those late-night moments together. Typically, the kids go to bed when they show signs of exhaustion or when my partner and I have had enough of the delightful chaos, sending them off to their room. This flexible approach grants us a great deal of freedom during our evenings.
Late-night grocery shopping is no longer a hassle. We don’t have to adhere to any “must be home by 7” rules, allowing us the luxury of spontaneity. If my partner is working late, the kids still get to see him when he arrives home, which means a lot to all of us. If we’re at a friend’s house and everyone is enjoying themselves, there’s no frantic clock-checking to rush home for bedtime.
Perhaps the best perk? The kids often sleep in until 8 or 9 in the morning. Gone are the days of 5 a.m. wake-up calls, and I, for one, am quite pleased about it.
Soon enough, they will start school, and a bedtime routine will become essential for their development and success. Academic and extracurricular commitments will dictate their sleep schedule, leaving less time for me to relish those evening moments with them.
While we’re in this free-spirited phase of life, I intend to make the most of it. I cherish those 9 p.m. cuddles, enjoy sleeping in alongside them, and appreciate the time we have together. No more stressful bedtime rituals for us, and I plan to savor every moment for as long as I can.
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Summary:
While bedtime routines are often heralded as crucial for children, my household has embraced a more relaxed approach. By letting go of rigid schedules, we enjoy spontaneity in our evenings, allowing for quality family time and later mornings. As the kids prepare for school and stricter routines, I’m choosing to cherish this carefree phase.
Keyphrase: bedtime routine flexibility
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