When it comes to parenting, opinions can often clash, resulting in heated debates among parents. Whether it’s about dietary choices, disciplinary methods, or educational pathways, strong beliefs abound. One area that frequently creates division is children’s bedtimes.
In my observations, parents tend to fall into two distinct camps: those who strictly enforce early bedtimes and those who adopt a more relaxed approach, allowing their children to stay up late. I’ll be honest; I belong to the early bedtime camp. Yes, I’m a bit of a control enthusiast when it comes to my kids’ sleep.
Last Fourth of July, a friend invited us to enjoy fireworks. I thought, “Fireworks? Those won’t start until it’s dark, which means my kids would be awake past their bedtime!” In our household, lights out is at 7:30 p.m. – and thanks to Daylight Savings Time, for half the year, they’re tucked in before sunset.
From the early days of motherhood, I prioritized establishing a sleep schedule for my daughters, believing firmly in the philosophy of “early to bed, early to rise.” Regardless of when they finally settle down, my morning always begins with my two-year-old cheerfully belting out “If You’re Happy and You Know It” while enthusiastically thumping her feet against the wall. Adorable? Yes. But also way too early for this night owl! So, as much as I’ve never been one to enjoy late nights, the presence of young kids solidifies my early bedtime routine.
Toddlers and infants lack an understanding of bedtime; they don’t realize that other children are still outside playing or that fun TV shows are about to start. My mantra? What they don’t know won’t hurt them. Content kids are happy kids, and when mine are well-rested, I can see the evidence in their smiles. So, while my social life may take a backseat, I’ll gladly choose a peaceful evening filled with sleep over late-night outings.
I find it fascinating, though not judgmental, to observe families whose children stay up much later than mine. When my best friend, Lisa, proudly shared how her four-year-old managed to stay up for the New Year’s countdown, I couldn’t help but express my disbelief. “You’re ‘cray-cray,’” I joked, and she laughed in agreement. We both understand that our parenting styles differ.
Yet, I sometimes forget that not all families operate like mine. There are children who are perfectly content to stay awake until 9 or 10 p.m. While that arrangement works for some, it’s not for my girls. I also recognize that other parents might react similarly to my kids’ bedtime, expressing shock at the early hour. And that’s perfectly fine.
Perhaps kids like Lisa’s manage to sleep in later, making occasional late nights a non-issue. That’s not the case for my daughters. I genuinely appreciate the early bedtime. The time between their lights out and mine, albeit short, offers my husband and me a chance to connect without the interruptions of a toddler’s demands or a crying baby.
Will this early routine last forever? Of course not. There will be special occasions that might push bedtime back. While I anticipate many early nights in the near future, I know my children will eventually experience life after 7:30 p.m. Who knows, they might even catch a glimpse of fireworks someday.
For further insights on home insemination, check out our other posts at Make A Mom and learn about the Impregnator, a trusted resource for those considering this journey. Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic provides excellent information on IUI treatments for those exploring their options.
Summary:
In this article, I discuss my strong preference for early bedtimes for my children, illustrating how it contributes to their happiness and, by extension, mine. While I recognize that other families may operate differently, I firmly believe that a good night’s sleep is essential for young kids. The article touches on the joys of early bedtimes and the precious moments they allow for parents to connect.
Keyphrase: Kids’ Sleep Schedules
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]