In the realm of parenting, few topics spark as much debate as children’s sleep routines. From dietary choices to discipline techniques, parents often find themselves divided into strong camps, and bedtime practices are no exception. Based on my observations, there are typically two types of parents: those who enforce an early bedtime with military precision, and those who adopt a more laid-back approach with no strict bedtime guidelines.
Where do I stand? Without a doubt, I fall into the early bedtime camp. I fully embrace my role as a sleep control enthusiast when it comes to my kids.
Last summer, a friend invited my family to watch fireworks for the Fourth of July. Fireworks in the dark? That meant they wouldn’t start until at least 9:30 p.m. My kids, however, are already fast asleep by then—7:30 p.m. is our designated bedtime. Thanks to Daylight Savings Time, there are even stretches of the year when they’re tucked in before sunset.
From the moment my daughters were born, I prioritized establishing a sleep schedule that included an early bedtime. Our family motto is “early to bed, early to rise.” No matter when my children fall asleep, I can count on being jolted awake by my two-year-old belting out “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” cheerfully thumping her feet against the wall. Adorable? Absolutely. But oh-so-early for my liking. Until they can independently rise and turn on the morning cartoons, I have no choice but to follow suit. Kids, especially toddlers and infants, have no concept of sleeping in.
They’re oblivious to the fact that other kids are still outside playing and that prime-time TV shows haven’t even started. My response? Ignorance is bliss. Kids thrive when they’re well-rested, and a good night’s sleep translates to a happy household. So for now, I’ll gladly trade a bustling social life for a peaceful night’s sleep for my kids.
I often find myself intrigued (but never judgmental) by friends whose children stay up much later. “I can’t believe he stayed up to see the ball drop!” I exclaimed to my friend Lisa about her 4-year-old. “I love keeping the kids up for special occasions,” she replied enthusiastically. As my best friend, I can tease her light-heartedly, knowing we have differing philosophies on this subject.
Still, it occasionally slips my mind that not every family adheres to the same bedtime routine as we do. There are toddlers who remain awake until 9 or even 10 p.m.—a thought that makes me gasp! While this schedule may suit some children, it simply doesn’t work for mine. Likewise, I’m sure other parents are equally astonished by my kids’ 7:30 bedtime. And that’s perfectly fine.
Perhaps kids like Lisa’s actually manage to sleep in later in the morning, or they may be more adaptable to occasional late nights. That’s not the case with my daughters, though.
In truth, I appreciate my kids’ early bedtime. The time between their lights-out and mine—however brief—allows my husband and me to reconnect and discuss our days without a toddler’s clinginess or a baby’s cries distracting us.
Will this early bedtime last forever? Certainly not. There will inevitably be special occasions that push back their bedtime. But for now, I’m content knowing that our evenings are peaceful, and I look forward to the day when my kids can experience life beyond 7:30 p.m. Who knows, maybe one day they’ll even catch a glimpse of fireworks.
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In summary, while parenting approaches to sleep may vary widely, my commitment to an early bedtime for my kids stems from a desire for their happiness and well-being.
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