From the time he was born until now, my kid has never been a great sleeper. Which has made us team late bedtime by default.
He’s about to turn five years old, and he is JUST NOW sleeping through the night. Aside from the usual baby/kid explanations for not sleeping – hunger, teething, illness, diapers/pottying – my husband and I have dealt with nightmares, night terrors and just plain old wide-awake for no good reason.
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Bedtime is a loose word around this house. My son is usually asleep between 9:00 and 10:00pm. He does not nap during the day, because even a 20 minute nap translates to a bedtime of 11:00pm or later. #tiredmama
We have tried bedtime routines including baths, lavender essential oils, cuddling, walking away, cry it out, reading a book, going to bed at the same time every night and more.
All have had limited success.
So, we do what we can to get him in bed calmly and don’t force a strict time on him. I have stressed about his sleep since he was small, but now, as long as he is happy during the day and has plenty of energy, I’m not going to worry too much. I know I have tried my best, and we are at a point now where things are kind of working.
Plus, I figure he will want to sleep all the time when the teenage years hit.
Moms who get those kids in bed early: You have my admiration! Maybe one day, I will know what that’s like 🙂
Are you Team Late bedtime, or Team Early Bedtime? Check out Contributor Jennifer’s take on how they do bedtime on Team Early Bedtime FTW
