In the realm of parenting, there’s a significant divide in opinions and practices that often leads to heated debates. From dietary choices to discipline methods and educational paths, parents frequently find themselves in polarized camps. One of the most hotly contested topics is the appropriate bedtime for children.
Based on my observations, parents generally fall into two categories: those who enforce an early bedtime with strict adherence and those who take a more relaxed approach, allowing their children to stay up late. I proudly belong to the first group, unapologetically strict about my kids’ sleep schedules.
Last summer, a friend invited us to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July. Fireworks? I thought, isn’t it too late for my kids? They typically drift off to sleep by 7:30 p.m., long before the sky darkens enough for such spectacles. Thanks to Daylight Savings Time, they’re often tucked in before the sun even sets.
From the moment my daughters were born, I made it a priority to establish an early bedtime routine. Our family adheres to the “early to bed, early to rise” philosophy. Regardless of when they actually fall asleep, I can always count on my two-year-old waking me up at the crack of dawn, singing cheerfully and stomping her feet against the wall. Adorable, yes, but it definitely means I’m not getting any extra sleep. Young children don’t grasp the idea of sleeping in, so my own bedtime has shifted earlier too.
Kids, especially toddlers and infants, have no awareness of their bedtime or the fun things happening outside. They aren’t bothered by the fact that other kids might still be playing or that we miss out on some evening events. My view? What they don’t know won’t hurt them. A well-rested child is a happy child, and a happy child makes for a happy home. Essentially, in my household, sleep equates to happiness. Thus, I prioritize their rest over our social life.
I often find myself intrigued (though not judgmental) by parents who allow their children to stay up much later. I once expressed my astonishment to my friend Lisa about her 4-year-old staying up to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve. “I love keeping them up for special occasions!” she beamed. We share a mutual understanding that our parenting philosophies differ, and that’s perfectly fine.
It’s easy to forget that not all families operate like mine. Some toddlers are awake until 9 or even 10 p.m. While this arrangement works for certain families, it’s not suitable for ours. I remind myself that others may react with surprise to my kids’ early bedtime, asking, “They go to bed at 7:30 p.m.?” That’s completely acceptable.
Perhaps kids like Lisa’s actually do sleep in later or are more adaptable to occasional late nights. That wouldn’t work for my daughters, who thrive on their early bedtimes. I genuinely appreciate the time between their bedtime and mine. It gives my husband and me a chance to reconnect and share our day without distractions.
Will my kids maintain this early schedule forever? Certainly not. There are special occasions that occasionally push back their bedtime, but for now, early nights are our norm. I know that in the future, they’ll have the opportunity to experience life beyond 7:30 p.m., and maybe even catch some fireworks.
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Summary
In summary, I firmly believe that a structured bedtime is essential for my children’s well-being. While different families have varying approaches to sleep schedules, I prioritize my kids’ rest to ensure their happiness, which ultimately contributes to a harmonious household.
Keyphrase: Kids’ bedtime routine
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