Our household has never been the best at keeping a consistent bedtime routine. When the boys were infants, we tried our best at swaddling and sleep training, but ultimately defaulted to the tried and true method of two working parents who are exhausted by the end of the week – whatever works.
When they were toddlers, we’d watch a “calm down show” as we sat on the sofa watching a soothing episode of “Puffin Rock,” read a story and then tuck them in one at a time. Soon enough that one story became five stories. Each. Pajamas, teeth-brushing, stories, water bottles, tuck-ins, it all got longer and longer until we came up with the “one minute” bedtime rule. Every night, each parent has their “minute” with each child, where we chat about our day. We discuss our favorite part, our challenges, or look forward to the day ahead. Sometimes the minute itself is my favorite part.
Over the years, bedtime routine has had too many iterations to count. From watching a show to to reading out loud, to reading quietly, reading to one another, to playing word puzzles, and now a new household nightly tradition we started where we draw or write in sketch books. Some nights include literal laps around the yard to get Big Bro’s energy out enough for him to lay down and stay still for more than a few seconds. Despite the myriad of different attempts to calm our children before bed, one thing is always part of the routine- stalling for more time.
The one minute rule has stuck around too. Sometimes, it’s when I gain the most meaningful insights into their lives at school or their friends or their feelings.
I don’t think we’ll ever nail down a solid routine for winding down at the end of the day. Ultimately, we all do it differently and they’ll figure that out and that’s fine. As long as they’ve brushed their teeth, it’s only the last two minutes that matter to me.
Our Life in A-Z 