Let’s talk about something all of us, as parents, are more than familiar with: bedtime.
In a perfect world, our children would get themselves ready for bed without any prompting then jump into bed, say their “I love you”s and “goodnight”s and fall asleep (hey, we can dream).
The reality is…that isn’t a reality.
Here is a peek into the bedtime “routine” at our house:
- Reading at least 6 books (they always pick the longest ones we own and also tend to argue about which books will be read first, second, third…well, you see the pattern here).
- Supervising/facilitating/refereeing the “go potty and brush teeth” process (to which there is never enough room at the sink and everyone feels the need to spit at the same time, usually on my arm as I’m helping our youngest).
- Personally chaperoning them to their room and separate beds, where they each beg for me to lay with them (this is when I feel like I should consider cloning myself). When I suggest daddy laying with one of them, it usually consists of “Nooooooo, we want YOU to lay with me!” coming from the mouths of each of them… until one of them eventually gives in to the daddy idea.
Next is what happens once they are actually laying down in their beds:
I have to say these 3 things with them (multiple times) every night–
- Pledge of Allegiance (initiated by our youngest 3 y/0, that has to be said with our hands over our hearts–and we are told we have to close our eyes as it is being said, or she starts all over). This one has a great love for all things U.S.A.
- Recite our favorite book, “I’ll See You in the Morning” (yes, I said recite… we know it by. heart. considering I’ve recited it to them since they were born). I must say that it is the best bedtime ‘lullaby.’ I must add that my youngest decided to recite it to me at least 37 times in a row last night since she has also memorized it and seems quite proud of that accomplishment.
- Say our nighttime prayers, which consists of our routine prayer, along with personalized prayers to follow. Those personalized prayers are what surprise me every night–who knew they would want to pray for our dear pups that passed away last year and the acorns they found on the playground, mixed in with world peace and little kids that don’t have mommies and daddies. Bless their hearts.
- After the steps above, I proceed to tuck them in “snug as a bug in a rug” and give them 46,7329,346 hugs and kisses.
Ahhhhhhhh, finally they are safe, happy and snuggled in for a goodnight’s sleep…. NOT.
Next is the part that we are all more than familiar with:
*Cue a high-pitched little voice yelling from the bedroom*
“Mommyyyyy! I have to go tinkle.” *Takes child to the restroom, goes tinkle. Gets back into bed.*
5 minutes later….
“Mommyyyyy! I have to poop.” *Takes child to restroom, maybe does or does not poop. Gets back into bed.*
3 minutes later…
“Mommyyyyy….I’m thirsty.” (Does anyone else realize that bedtime seems to be the leading cause of dehydration in children? Or when they become most hydrated? Either way, ironic on the impeccable timing on their part).
7 more minutes later….
*Cue pitter-patter of footsteps and some tears* “Mommy, I want to be able to lay with you AND daddy AND sissy all at the same time.” *Explain the need to get back into bed to get rest for the next day.*
“Okay Mommy, buuuuuuuuuut I need just one more hug & kiss from you and daddy.” We gladly oblige.
Let’s be real, there are moments that the bedtime craze drives us insane. Although at times we become frustrated, we should actually look at the comedy that is the bedtime circus. These are the moments. And though it may not be true for everyone, speaking for myself, I know that these are the most precious and joy-filled days I will one day miss so much.
Bedtime is where I learn about allthethings!
Bedtime is when my children want to chit-chat about their days and their friends and our family and the caveats of life that they have so many questions about. Bedtime is when all of the most important teaching moments happen.
I’m going to take advantage of every second.
What are some of your most favorite bedtime moments?
Make sure you never miss out on things to do in Wichita: subscribe to our weekly Wichita Moms Blog newsletter! Be the first to know about our exclusive events, special offers and discounts, neighborhood group activities and, of course, local resources and parenting voices powered by local Wichita moms!
