Thank Goodness Said the Mama.

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Recently, I was reading "Goodnight Moon" to my daughter, and it got me thinking about how bedtime can sometimes feel like a chaotic adventure. You know the kind—where your little one insists on staying up because they’re convinced the world will end if they miss one more game of peek-a-boo or insist on another story. I only have one child, but sometimes I feel like I'm channeling the mom in that book by the end of the night. My head hits the pillow before my body even registers the action!

I remember when my daughter was younger, bedtime was such a serene experience. She would drift off almost immediately, as if guided by some divine force. Now, it's a whole different story. I walk into the room expecting her to yawn and snuggle under the covers, but instead, we end up negotiating over blankets, hugs, kisses, and even a quick visit with her new kitten, Dolce. There’s also the classic line, “I love you, Mommy,” which always melts my heart, even when it’s clearly part of the stalling tactics.

Over time, I've learned a few things about bedtime routines. Apparently, bedtime starts way earlier than most parents realize. Kids are like little wind-up toys—they need to burn off energy before they can settle down. If they’ve had a lazy day or an overly long nap, bedtime becomes a real challenge. To help them unwind, I try to engage their bodies and minds in active play earlier in the evening. It’s amazing how much calmer they become once they’ve exhausted themselves.

Bedtime routines should ideally be warm and calming. A warm bath, gentle back rubs, and quiet storytelling create the perfect atmosphere. Avoid anything too stimulating, like roughhousing or loud games. And for heaven's sake, don't try to mimic Olympic-level acrobatics during bedtime! While family games can be fun, they belong elsewhere in the day.

As you build your routine, take a step back and assess whether it’s too complex. If your bedtime process feels like a marathon, simplify it. Focus on the essentials: getting your child ready for sleep. Skip the extra steps like fetching more water or saying goodnight to every single stuffed animal. Keep it straightforward and consistent. Your sanity—and theirs—will thank you.

I’ve also discovered the importance of choosing the right books. Look for stories that end with the character drifting off to sleep. These books tend to be more soothing and allow you to use a softer tone while reading. The number of sentences per page should match your child’s age. For example, one sentence per page works well for a 1-year-old, while two might suit a 2-year-old.

Timing is everything. Aim for bath time around 7:15 PM, pajamas on by 7:45 PM, and lights out by 8 PM. Resist distractions during this critical window. This way, even if dinner dishes pile up or you indulge in a cookie, you’ll still achieve one major victory: a good night’s sleep.

Occasionally, kids wake up in the middle of the night. Tonight, for instance, my daughter woke up after a couple of hours of sleep asking for a hug. After holding her for a few minutes, I gently tucked her back in. It was adorable, and honestly, I appreciated the momentary connection. But I’m grateful I had the energy to handle it quickly—I needed my own rest!

Parenting is full of unexpected challenges, but finding ways to make bedtime manageable is key. Whether you're reading books, engaging in play, or simply enjoying moments like these, it’s all part of the journey. And who knows? Maybe someday soon, my little monkey will finally decide that bed really is the best place to be!

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