Before becoming parents, few are truly prepared for the nightly chaos that accompanies bedtime, particularly with toddlers. Sure, people may mention it, but can they truly express the level of frustration that those final hours bring? You know, when all you want is for your kids to just go. the heck. to. sleep. It feels like an eternity as you attempt to enjoy a moment of peace, catch up on grown-up shows, or savor your favorite snacks. Those moments morph into an agonizing loop of requests for water and endless discussions about Pokémon, leaving you convinced that the last circle of hell is filled with small children.
Now, under quarantine, the precious post-bedtime hours are even more vital for our sanity. While the bedtime routine might seem grueling before you have kids, once you’re in the trenches, you realize it’s a reality you must navigate. But don’t despair; it does improve over time. As children grow more independent, the bedtime process can shift from a battleground to a more manageable routine. Or perhaps you simply start caring less about their late-night antics, knowing they’ll bounce back the next day without a meltdown.
Remember to hold on tight; there will come a time when they will, inevitably, fall asleep. After all, they must, right?
As I sit here pleading with my two-year-old at midnight to settle down, I can only wish for one night free from the bedtime brawl.
Confessions of a Tired Parent
Confessional #1: I eagerly await my own bedtime throughout the day.
Confessional #2: How is it already 10 PM, and you still need so much? Just go to sleep already!
Confessional #3: At 39 years old, I find myself too exhausted to even think about intimacy at bedtime.
Confessional #4: I thought bedtime was tough before self-isolation—goodness, I need this to end so I can tire my child out elsewhere and return to a normal routine!
Confessional #5: As parents of energetic little beings, we all have our coping mechanisms, whether that means indulging in a little mommy-medicine or forgoing the bedtime routine altogether. No judgment here!
Confessional #6: It’s 5:30 PM, and my kids are napping late. Bedtime might be rough tonight, but I’m enjoying the peace.
Confessional #7: I’ve loosened my grip on the bedtime routine, letting my child learn to settle down on their own. It’s surprising how much easier it is now—who knew?
Confessional #8: Why should I care about a strict bedtime? We’re homeschooling on our terms, enjoying late mornings and leisurely evenings.
Confessional #9: The worst part is when your family members don’t understand what “bedtime” means, and you’re left wishing for a united front.
Confessional #10: I wish my partner would help out with bedtime so they could grasp the chaos that unfolds when they casually walk into the toddler’s room.
Even when partners agree to take over bedtime, the reality often falls back on us to ensure the routine is followed. And let’s not even start on relatives who think they can dictate our parenting methods. Yes, my kids, both under three, need a bedtime.
We’ve all been there, those nights when it feels like utter madness. The despair hits hard as you ponder if they’ll ever sleep. “My 2.5-year-old fights every nap and bedtime, and I just spent two hours trying to get her to sleep. I can’t take this anymore!”
Confessional #11: My mom thinks my boundaries are great, but she doesn’t witness the chaos of bedtime when I’m on the verge of a breakdown.
Confessional #12: I’m a monster at bedtime, willing to do anything to get them to sleep.
Confessional #13: Why does our bedtime routine sometimes work like magic and other times result in epic failure? This is one of those nights, and I’m losing it!
Confessional #14: I really can’t stand bedtime when they’re bouncing off the walls. Just GO TO SLEEP!
Confessional #15: My three-year-old has turned into a bedtime terrorist. Same schedule, no naps, and yet she refuses to sleep until midnight.
Confessional #16: I’m at my wit’s end with bedtime. It takes hours to settle them down, and then they keep getting back up. I’m losing my mind!
But there’s a silver lining—children don’t stay three forever. One day, they’ll be more willing to go to bed peacefully. Just two nights ago, my three-year-old pushed me away and said, “You can go now! I’m fine!” I love her dearly and am so relieved she’s growing up.
Confessional #17: I used to lay with my kids until they fell asleep, but now I’ve figured out a routine that allows me to leave them to settle down on their own.
Confessional #18: My daughter made me laugh so hard at bedtime that we spent 15 minutes giggling before reading a story. Moments like these are what I hope she remembers when she grows up.
In summary, bedtime is often one of the most challenging aspects of parenthood, ranking right up there with potty training and preparing meals that your children will actually eat. Keep pushing through! You only have to endure this approximately 987,000 times.
For more relatable parenting stories, check out our other posts at Home Insemination Kit. And if you’re considering starting a family, you might find valuable resources at Make A Mom and Hopkins Medicine.
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