Most moms think of bedtime routines and visions of snuggling, nursing, tubbies, and lavender likely pop up. It's been the same for me too- but now I am fully in the "oh my goodness the kids are old" phase. There are still showers to be had, books to be read, and lots of hugs. The boobs are all mine though- but after twelve "I'm thirsty!" statements I kind of miss the days when a boob would suffice. Now there is much more rigamarole to it.
AND a lot of WHY THE AREN'T YOU TIRED! (me)
WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAD HOMEWORK? (me)
NO, I WILL NOT RUN THE WASHING MACHINE FOR ONE SHIRT! (me)
I'M BOOOOOOOOOORED. (J)
MY FRIENDS ON ROBLOX AREN'T IN BED! (M)
WHY IS M STILL USING HIS CHROME BOOK TO PLAY ROBLOX? (J)
I have for a long time been incredibly strict with bedtime. I leave early for work, and our beloved A feeds the boys, makes sure bags are packed, double checks who is packing lunch or buying. Even so, they've needed to be awake with me, have some snuggles and the like before I head out to teach. I need some time after they are asleep to accomplish work things, take a moment to breathe, and craft a bit.
Well, things have changed. I will have a ten year old in about two weeks, and an eight year old two months later. They are NOT having this 7:30 bedtime anymore. I still have all the things to do, like laundry, dishes, cleaning in general AND lesson planning, grading, and reaching out to students' families. That will NEVER change. I will always need some quiet time to myself, to protect my sanity.
What has changed? Their willingness to conform to my plans. The fact that they truly don't need to get up so early anymore- it's ok in their world if I leave for work before they are awake- and my absolute need to accomplish things HASN'T.
Bedtime now? It's the new normal. Almost like a tuck and roll- with extra snuggles and discussion about their days- but when I shut their doors? It's with the mantra of "they will fall asleep eventually as long as they don't get out of bed it will be fine"!
I still sit at the foot of the stairs and listen for any discord, or nightmares- anything that REALLY needs my attention. Other than that? I'm hands off. A new chapter for me.
Besides, they will fall asleep eventually, right? RIGHT?
