Updated: July 10, 2020
Originally Published: September 27, 2013
I adore my kids. There, I said it. They mean the world to me, and I can’t picture my life without them.
But there’s one thing I absolutely dread: putting them to bed. I genuinely dislike the bedtime routine.
I have a friend, Sarah, who claims she cherishes the moments of tucking her kids in each night. Honestly, I don’t know how we’re still friends; she makes me feel like a terrible parent.
Am I a bad mom for counting down the minutes from 6:00 PM, anxiously waiting for bedtime? The anticipation is so intense, I can almost feel my heart racing. From dawn until dusk, I’m on the clock as a wake-up service, chef, referee, chauffeur, therapist, teacher, cleaning lady, and everything in between. I don’t need a cookie for my efforts; I just want a solid 15-minute breather. Not one of those breaks where I lock myself in the bathroom, pretending to take a break while they knock incessantly on the door, asking why I’m taking so long.
I know many might label me a cold mother because I’d rather skip the bedtime story and pour myself a glass of wine while pondering the madness of the day.
Our Chaotic Bedtime Routine
Here’s a glimpse into our chaotic bedtime routine: First, there’s the obligatory reading of at least three books—always the longest ones they can find. Then, it’s time for the “potty and teeth brushing” saga, where everyone seems to think there’s only one spot at the sink. Finally, I have to escort my kids to their rooms, all while enduring record-breaking whines, reminding them that bedtime is not up for negotiation. Spoiler alert: they never win this battle.
Why do we have to endure this nightly drama? Can’t we agree to avoid the same exhausting routine every evening?
Once they’re finally in their rooms, I have to “suck” the nightmares out of their heads—an elaborate process where I try to convince them I have magical control over their fears. After tucking them in snugly, showering them with hugs and kisses, I attempt to sneak out slowly, praying for a peaceful night. Just as I think I’ve succeeded, one of my kids suddenly remembers something “crucial” that they forgot to tell me!
Thus begins my nightly game of ping pong, bouncing from room to room while internally battling the urge to scream, “GO TO SLEEP!”
I’m exhausted. I feel like I need to throw in the towel. But I can’t until they finally relent and drift off.
Once they’re asleep, I have a solid two hours to pack their lunches for the next day, make sure their wet snow pants are hung up, fill out permission slips, and try to enjoy just the right amount of wine—enough to avoid a headache but not so much that I start worrying about them growing up and how I’ll miss these chaotic bedtime moments.
Currently, these moments are just a whirlwind I dread every night.
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Summary
Putting kids to bed can be a stressful experience for parents, filled with endless routines and reluctance from the little ones. Many parents can relate to the struggle of wanting a break after a long day of managing multiple responsibilities. As exhausting as it may be, these moments are part of the parenting journey that can evoke mixed feelings.
Keyphrase: bedtime struggles
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