Like a lot.
Kids don't usually understand the beauty of sleep.
With my kids, it takes awhile for them to understand that sleep is good.
Sleep/bedtime routines can be a subject war. There are so many ideas, opinions and what nots about what works best for kids and families. This Mommy Style Monday is all about bed time routines.
I make bed time pretty lenient as long as they get their butts in bed and let mommy & daddy have some peace and quiet. LOL! (I mean this in the nicest way possible)
One thing that is always the same is the bed TIME. 7 o'clock! Yes that's right 7. We've tried different times over the years but our kids wake up at the crack of dawn no matter what time they nod off, so they go to their rooms at 7. Its harder in the summer cause the sun is still shining through their windows, but its a lesson in obedience (mwhahahaha!).
They get drinks of water, read some stories then its lights out.
We used to be the ones that read to the girls, but once Evelyn go bit by the reading bug she started reading to Amelia. Then Mia learned how to read so they read to themselves whatever books they want for about 10-15 minutes then they turn the lights out. Mia falls asleep quickly and Ev usually comes down and complains about something then we send her back up.
Camden also goes to bed at the same time, 7, for the most part. I am actually okay that he doesn't nap anymore, because that means he will actually fall asleep at night. He sometimes asks for a story, but mostly we just let him watch Netflix on my tablet till he falls asleep. Whatevs. It works for us.
Leo is a whole different ball game entirely. The boys are supposed to share a room, eventually. We have a crib next to Camden's bed but it hasn't been used yet. Leo is still close to us. We have a ginormous closest. Its literally the size of most nursery rooms are, so he's in a pack n'play in our closest, with a noisy fan and pitch black. He's just 7 months so he's still learning BUT he has consistently slept through the night more for awhile now so I say the, work around him-no sleep training, thing is working. Sleep training has worked for our other kids, but this little one is just good at working with our emotions that we can't let him cry. ;) I've tried some sleep training, but its just too sad, and its okay. It works for us and for him. He's happy so we're happy
I know some families are very vigilant with a specific routine and it works for them and their kids. I know some families that let their kids stay up as late as they want, and it works for them and their kids. Our "routine" may seem like a chaotic mess, but it works for us right now. Doesn't mean it won't change, 4 years ago it was different, and in 4 years it will be different again. You do you, and what works for you. Your family, your kids, your life. Make it work and happy sleeping.
Kiana // Glitter & Donuts
If you'd like to join in the next Mommy Style Monday head on over to Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand
