As a laid-back mom, my household might seem a bit chaotic at times. My kids often munch on Cheerios found on the floor, and our sleeping arrangements are quite flexible. We tend to spend a fair amount of time at my friend’s Clubhouse—yes, it’s the one with a certain mouse you might be familiar with.
But don’t mistake my relaxed demeanor for laziness. With two energetic kids, two playful dogs, and a husband who dives into work every day, our life often feels like we’re in survival mode. When I get the chance to maintain my sanity, I seize it.
This is precisely why I steadfastly follow my kids’ sleep schedule. The moment my little alarm clocks wake me up, our home transforms into a whirlwind of Cheerio crumbs, VTech tunes, diaper changes, and the occasional “How did you even get that fork?”
Believe me when I say that after about 45 minutes of this morning madness, I’m already yearning for nap time.
So when I receive a text inviting me for pho at 12:30, my response is always the same: “Nope, sorry.” Because let’s be real—my children need their sleep. I know some parents have those mythical nap-resistant kids who power through the day, and maybe that works for them. But I’ve learned the hard way that skipping naps leads to regrettable chaos.
If my kids miss nap time, it’s a recipe for disaster—tantrums, flying sippy cups, and ear-piercing screams from my toddler. Trust me, I’d much rather skip a delicious bowl of pho than deal with the aftermath of overtired children.
Of course, I admit my motivations aren’t entirely selfless. My kids need their naps to manage their emotions (which translates to fewer bites and kicks), but I also need that time. It’s my precious hour of peace—an uninterrupted moment to unwind on the couch without being asked for anything.
But sticking to a sleep schedule presents challenges, especially on beach outings. There’s nothing more infuriating than hauling snacks, sunscreen, and two excited kids to the beach only to declare, “NAP TIME!” after just an hour of fun. I’m well aware of the groans from both kids and adults alike, but we refuse to deviate from our routine. Nap time is crucial for everyone’s well-being, and I won’t sacrifice it for a few more minutes in the sand. I’ve seen what happens when my kids are overtired, and I’d rather not add the chaos of a beach outing to that mix.
Our commitment to the sleep schedule extends to bedtime as well. I’ve battled the consequences of letting my kids stay up late too many times to know better now. We don’t linger for dessert at birthday parties if it means being home past bedtime. My dad always said, “You can’t hoot with the owls if you want to soar with the eagles.” To me, that means if you want to avoid a world of regret, you better prioritize sleep.
So, if my husband and I are planning a late night, the kids won’t be joining us—that’s what babysitters are for. By 8 o’clock—okay, 9 o’clock—those little ones are tucked in bed, dreaming sweetly about candy and puppies.
Call me a stickler, a killjoy, or uptight—I don’t mind. While the world might be bustling outside, I’ll be on the couch, savoring a hot cup of coffee and enjoying the beautiful silence. In this family, we have a sleep schedule, and we adhere to it.
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In summary, while I embrace a relaxed parenting style in many ways, I hold firm to my kids’ sleep schedule. It’s not just about their well-being but also about my sanity, allowing us all to thrive.