As a devoted parent, I cherish my children deeply. They mean the world to me, and I cannot fathom life without them. However, there is one aspect of parenting that I strongly dislike: the bedtime routine.
A friend of mine once expressed her enthusiasm for putting her little ones to sleep, claiming it’s a cherished part of her day. I often wonder how we remain friends, as her joy in this routine only amplifies my own struggles.
Am I a bad parent because I find myself eagerly counting down the minutes until 8 PM? I dedicate my entire day to being a caregiver—waking my kids, preparing meals, managing schedules, and countless other responsibilities. By the evening, I just want a genuine break, not the kind that involves hiding in the bathroom while they demand to know what I’m doing.
I recognize that some may view me as uncaring because I would rather pour myself a glass of wine in peace than read another bedtime story. The typical evening in my home involves reading multiple lengthy books chosen by my children, overseeing their chaotic tooth brushing and bathroom trips, and navigating the inevitable protests as I guide them to their rooms. Why do we have to endure the same exhausting battle night after night?
Once the kids are finally settled in their rooms, I engage in a ritualistic battle against their fears, convincing them that I can ward off nightmares. After tucking them in with hugs and sweet reassurances, I attempt to make my exit—only to hear, “Mom, I forgot something really important!” This initiates a back-and-forth scramble as I bounce between rooms, desperately trying to maintain my composure while internally screaming, “Please, just go to sleep!”
Eventually, once the children release me from their grip and drift off, I spend the next couple of hours preparing for the next day—packing lunches, ensuring wet clothes are hung up, and trying to enjoy a glass of wine without worrying about the fleeting nature of time and the inevitable growth of my children.
This nightly chaos is a routine I dread, yet I know one day I will look back on these moments with nostalgia.
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In summary, while the bedtime battle can feel overwhelming, it is a shared experience among parents. We all seek moments of respite and reflection amidst the beautiful chaos of parenting.