I have often referred to myself as the Sleep Nazi. It's an endearing term, much like calling someone a shoe whore. I have explained my children's sleep patterns 100s of times to people since they were babies. Trust me. Of this I know.
I am used to the questions and the criticism. I am correct though, and I thought I'd let you all know that. I am rarely giving out advice on the blog, unless it's about Magic Pants or lip gloss, however...
Got this comment on this morning's post:
To bed at 6:40? I just couldn't do that to my kids. What time do they get up?...4am?? I would just feel like I haven't seen them all day and then I'm shipping them off to bed. Where's the quality time? The teachers spend more time with your kids per day than you do. Not picking on you, just wondering. Maria in SC
Children the minis' ages are supposed to get 10-12 hours of sleep each day. Mine get up at 6:30am to leave for school at 7:00am. They shower and have a yummy breakfast before my husband drives them to school.
I pick my children up from school at 2pm, so I'm all set on the quality time. Keeping them up past 7 would be irresponsible on my part. My children are tired. Thus, that bedtime for our family.
My children don't melt down from being overtired and they don't struggle through the school day because they didn't get a good night's sleep. We don't make exceptions on weekends or special occasions. (Except that one time at the Magic Kingdom with Coach...and that ended very badly! ha ha ha) They don't "stay up late" as a reward. Ever.
If they are in school from 7-2, that's 7 hours at school. If I was trying to "be with them more than their teachers" then I would have to keep them awake until past 9pm. That's ridiculous for 5 and 7 year olds.
Sleep is a hugely important issue in my house. Children are better learners, can focus more and are able to better fight infection when they get proper amounts of sleep. I am certain that if you asked your Pediatrician, they would tell you that 10-12 hours for that age range is ideal.
Here's the reality. My children kick ass. They get up in the morning happy and rested and ready to take on a day at school. So it works for us to put them to bed around 7ish, or earlier if needed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that lack of sleep can contribute to anxiety and depression, night terrors, obesity, diabetes, and immune deficiencies. Clemsongirl says it makes my children crabby.
In either case? I am correct on this issue. Research, expert medical professionals, experience and common sense tells me so.
That's the beauty of parenthood. They are my damn children.
118 comments:
My kids go to bed between 6:15 and 6:45 every night. Every SINGLE night. In fact, when my oldest was a newborn, she went to bed at 5:30. Keeping your kids up late just to spend time with them is ridiculous. Kids thrive on a regular schedule and their bodies need that 10-12 (mine need 12, sometimes more) hours of sleep for proper growth and development.
Keep doing EXACTLY what you're doing!
You rock. I don't have kiddos yet, but when I do, I'm calling you for parenting advice.
When Jake gets to be older and refuses to sleep because whatever seems more interesting out here, can I have you come stay with us and sleep nazi his ass to bed please? We live near New Orleans and I can bribe you with adult bevs if that works.
Oh how I wish I could get my children to go to bed early - even 7:30 would be nice (like the good ole' days - AKA last year)! My 2 year old is still up at 10 - it's a nightmare. My 1 year old is asleep by 8 most nights...they are up at 7 to start the day...
I need my sleep too or it's BAD - real BAD!!!
Sing is sister! I'm SO over people giving me crap about the same thing. My boys have slept 10-12 (sometimes even a little over) straight since they were like 3 mos old. I have had to explain time and time again how my husband and I feel this is the best for our kids and how it is indeed what they NEED and yet still some say that's too much or how they're kids this that or the other. PUH-LEEEEEZ! I agree with you 150%!
you go girl :)
I totally agree with you.
I'm jealous...I wish I could get 10 - 12 hours of sleep!
right on, I am also called the sleep natzi by many but I so agree with you. I wasn't that way in my first year of mommyhood and quickly had issues with my daughter so... Iread up on what I should have been doing and immediately changed my ways. Did you ever read Healthy Habits, Happy Child, it's a good one.
From a male/father here, our daughter has continually gone to bed by 8pm (after last feeding) and then wakes up around 6:30-7am. Granted, she's still napping, but I have to say that while I'd love to keep her up to play until 10pm - I simply don't see how this is good for any kid.
It's surprising to hear from friends with children of similar age (6months - 1.5 years old) that allow/keep their kids up until 9-10pm...WOW
My lovely ladies go to bed at 8:30 and get up at 7 every morning. And sometimes I still make the 7 year old take a nap when we've been going at an extra hectic pace for days on end (the two year old still takes one every single day, of course!). There are several people in my own neighborhood that question this, but I really don't care. No one knows your children or their needs like you do.
also, when did your boys stop the nap? Sorry to bug you for advice but I'm going through that with my 3 year old daughter.
I kindergarten in NY and I stress all the time to parents how important sleep is. Children who sleep well do well in school, it is that simple. You are doing a kick ass job and I wish more parents were just like you!
You so rock! Preach it sister!
This is a SORE sunbject for me. I am referred to lovingly and sometimes not so lovingly as the "nap nazi" I too am "strict" with bedtimes. I feel sleep is important!!!! I cannot stand when people pass judgement because we won't attend a party fpr a 2 year old at one o'clock. That's naptime people and my 22 month old NEEDS that nap! When my kids don't get enough sleep it is bad. Very BAD! We even stuck to nap time when we were in Disney! I agree with you 100%!
Ha ha - great response. It's only your business what time you put down your kids and you're the only one who knows what works for them! I would like it if my little guy would go down around 8:00, but he's still taking a nap at school every day and will not settle down until 9:00. But it's like clockwork for him, typically right on the dot! But he's never been much of a sleeper!
Um, hello, I cannot believe that you got that comment! What in the world? They are YOUR kids. You are their mom. You know best. And besides, as you point out (beautifully), you happen to be 100% correct!
So that's why my angels are cranky in the morning?/ LOL! Seriously I started implementing 8:00 and it has made a huge difference, just in their morning disposition. I am going to take a nap now to fight off my OBESITY! HAHA!
No kiddos here...but it sounds like you know what you are doing and why you are doing it!
PS - Go tigers!!! :)
Well said!
First of all, I love that Lindy reads your fantabulous blog!!! I'm sure there are other male figures out there that can't get enough of it either...
Secondly, on the sleep issue. I praise you! My little man is 3 and is in bed by 8pm. He is up between 6:30-7 every morning. He gets a 2 hour nap at preschool, but could be longer on the weekends. He is ready most nights to go to bed and if needed, will go down early. I'm a working mom and love to spend as much time with him as possible, but I'm not going to make him (or me) miserable for it! Good for you!
Agreed. My kids are in bed by 7:30. They nap from 1-3pm (sometimes longer--they are 3 and 4). They are awake in the mornings at 7 or 7:30am. I can definitely tell what kind of day it will be based on their sleep patterns from the day before.
i wish the parents of the kids i teach had your philosophy. my students are so sleep deprived, and am not allowed to give them a nap! they get to school at 7am (for before care, the school day doesn't begin until 845) and most are at school until 7pm and then they go home and watch tv/play video games for a few hours. most have a bedtime between 9 and 10 pm. and i teach first grade! they come to me tired, cranky and unhappy and i KNOW some rest would solve many of my problems in the classroom. you rock! want to move to dc and teach my students' parents?
i totally agree with you clemsongirl! i think that alot of parents do that, every child between 5-7 that Ive nannyed for has gone to bed around 7 oclock. its natural.
Good for you! Your children are your business. I don't have little ones yet...but you will definitely be a source of advice when I do :)
Good post! I can tell that you are a firm but loving mama, and I think a bit of strictness at home would solve a lot of the problems in schools.
Way to be a mama bear! :)
Now, could you please give my boyfriend the same lecture, but taper it more towards my needing 10 hours of sleep a night?
You are the best!
My kids are grownups (almost), but I was always a sleep nazi as well. We put our kids in their own bed the first day home from the hospital, and we never and I mean NEVER had a problem with sleep. Bedtime was bedtime. Our routine was basically "go to bed". Naptime was "take a nap". Period.
And I have to say, to this day, my kids are rarely sick. We don't have big outbreaks of the creeping crud or flu. My girls made deals with their roommates that they'd be in bed by midnight (yeah, at college, imagine that!) so they wouldn't get sick.
Our high school boys have to be in bed by 10. Most of the time they're already there.
So, 22 years later, sleep is not an issue at our house. Everybody sleeps and everybody is (relatively) happy. As happy as foul teenagers can be, anyway.
I am with you sister! My kids went to bed at 7 pm all through elementary school. They have to get up a such a ridiculous hour! The teachers always said that they could tell which kids were getting enough sleep and which ones were not. Some people might think it is easier to just put kids to bed early...not at all - it can be so hard to fit dinner, homework, and baths in and leaves no room for the lazy! You have to be a very organized mommy to make this magic happen.
I guess I'm on the opposite side of the spectrum.
My son is almost 3, and since he was a baby, has never had a set bedtime. He might go to bed as early as 7, or as late as 11 or midnight. One time he even stayed up until 2am before going to sleep.
On the other hand, my husband and I both work at restaurants. Our schedules change at least weekly. "Normally," if there is a normal, we work at least 2 - 3 nights per week, meaning that we don't even get home until 9:30, closer to 10pm.
However, most days we do not go to work until 9 or 10, sometimes 11am. So, little guy doesn't wake up until 8:30 - 9am.
I guess when I think about it, he is getting about 10 hours of sleep. But my son isn't one that goes to bed that early, and for me, that is incredibly early, and either my husband or myself would have no time to spend with him if we closed at work.
Maybe we are selfish since we don't make him go to bed so that we can spend time with our son. But he is a happy baby, and to me, that is what matters.
Awesome! GO GIRL! I am too lazy to sign in, so this is going to be anonymous. mwah.
ROCK IT, Clemsongirl. I am a teacher and witness firsthand what happens to children whose parents keep them up or refuse to enforce reasonable bedtimes for any reason. THANK YOU, on behalf of all the teachers out there, for sending your children to school rested, healthy and ready for a day of learning!
My boys go to bed @ 6:30 every night too! My friends think I'm crazy, but you're right-they wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to go in the am. I am a slave to sleep also...I am in TOTAL agreement with you! Not to mention the quality time you get to spend with your hubby while the kids are asleep.....
Rachel,
I totally hear you. your family is on a different schedule, that's cool. Sounds like he's sleeping a lot later in the morning! Perfect.
It's not about the start/end time. It's about hours asleep. :)
as always, it is whatever works for you and your family. i try to get my youngest to bed early...but if hubby wants some time with him fine. If i feel he needs more sleep, i just tell hubby, "he needs to be in bed by "so and so"/ i love sleep and hubby , who is a surgeon could survive on none!
I'm with you ClemsonGirl! My daughter is 6, almost 7, she is in bed around 7 p.m. at night. She gets up around 6 a.m. for school. Sometimes, when I drive her to school to avoid the dreadful bus, she's up at 7 a.m.
The kid needs her sleep! You know your kids, I know mine. If more people knew more about their own d@mn kids and their needs the world would be better off. My opinion. Routines...I'm in favor of.
You go girl!
Another sleep nazi here with 4 kids spread out ~ and proud of it!
Almost 2 year old goes to bed at 7:30 and sleeps until 8ish with a 2-3 hour nap.
All my kids went to bed at 7:30 until they were 8.
And the older ones now?
8 Year Old = 8
11 yr. old = 8:15
almost 13 yo = 8:30
Older kids can read for up to 30 min in bed.
happy, healthy kids with happy parents!!
I wish I could go to sleep at 7! And I agree with you that kids need tons of rest. I work in the Children's Department of a library and you can tell the kids who aren't well rested. They do have melt downs and I feel so badly for them when they're crying at 8:30 pm and the parents don't seem to see what the problem is! Hello? Its 8:30?!?!?!
I could not agree with you more. Lights are off at 7 at our house...earlier if I think they boys are grumpy and need more sleep.
My kids both slept through the night by 10 weeks and I honestly believe I sleep trained them. I may be fooling myself but I'm givin' myself credit here.
Amen, Clemsongirl!
I hope you don't think that I was trying to be snarky. I just wanted to point out that not everyone can do it. That, and normally, I am the one in the grocery store with an awake three year old at 10pm. It is one of the only times I can go, unless I get a rare day off. Again, I hope you didn't take offense, I just wanted to point out the other side as well.
I don't have children but you ROCK!!!
This is a great way to parent your boys. I am an after-school teacher, so by the time my kids get to me they have already been through 7 hours of school and have about 4 more to go with me. More than half the time when they have emotional breakdown it is because they are so tired and worn out.
No kids yet, but what you're saying makes perfect sense to me, and anytime I've babysat for someone's young child, they were always in bed early!
From a teacher's prespective, all those hours we see the kids at school? That's not 1 on 1 quality time! We have a million other things/kids to deal with, so while we may see their beautiful faces more hours, it's not always quality time!
I agree with you 100% and it's so nice to see others mom who are also on the same page as myself! You sound like a BabyWise mom. Would I be correct? Regardless, my child has the same sleep pattern. He's in the bed by 6:30 each night (and sometimes earlier) and doesn't wake until 7am or later each morning. I do not understand why parents do not understand the "sleep recommendations" given by Pediatricians! Read people, read. It's clearly stated in literally every magazine you pick up these days that deals with Parenting. I think you're doing a terrific job, Clemson Girl (even though I'm all USC!)!!! Keep it up! And for those of you who are still trying to figure out the schedule thing....read BabyWise. That's my personal advice! It works if you stick to it, no doubt.
I was a sleep nazi with my girls... they were in bed at 7pm without fail until my oldest was 8. Then they started playing soccer & practice didn't end until 7:30 (!), I was panicked. My poor son (almost 8 & 6 years younger than my girls) got dragged around until all hours because my husband worked out of town during the week... I really always felt guilty about that. Kudos to you for sticking to your guns!
AMEN!
And it's good for the marriage. :)
Amen sister!! I am all about sleep in my house too.
ha! Awesome response!!! I love your blog - have never commented before but just had to tell you AMEN! You have to do what works for you child as well as you. I so hate the "helpful advice" that others bestow w/out me asking. I'm jealous though, as my son (2 year old) is quite the night owl. All in due time though... I hope.
ps - if I lived in your area our house would so be listed w/ you (don't tell my husband... who is a realtor - grin).
I am in complete agreement. And I'm actually surprised that someone commented on it like you might be going overboard. I would have expected that if you let the boys tear around till 10 PM and then make them be at school at 7 AM. Sleep is SO important, and it isn't just adults that don't get enough. My daughter needs 10-12 hours and if she doesn't get it, due to waking up sick or something like that, wow! It shows the next day!
Another one for early bed times. We do slack off on weekends and special occasions and it definitely shows. My oldest has night terrors from lack of sleep quite often so it's a bit of an issue for them to be in bed timely. On school nights I strived for 7-7:30. Of course my 5 year old fights sleep like no other so often he is in his bed for hours still awake, darn school naps keep him up! Drives me nuts. I am big on early bed times, for their sake and mine!
Nicely said. My children are up by 7a, so they go to bed at 7p. My 7 year old goes at 7:30, because she has to read to me. People can't believe I put them to bed so early, but I need some me time!
My boys, ages 6 and 4, go to bed by 7. The 1st graders teacher thanked me for having an alert and ready to learn child every day. She said she can tell which children are getting enough sleep, and those that aren't. I have time to nurture my relationship with my husband, because someday the boys will be grown and gone , and husband will still be here.
You are so right. I think a lot of the "ADHD" diagnoses are really just sleep deprivation -- children go into hyperdrive when they are tired, unlike adults who just get drowsy. You are doing your children a huge service. My mom was a sleep nazi too, and now I am.
As a former elementary teacher and a parent I have to agree with Clemsongirl! Have these people not read babywise and toddlerwise?
I agree, you rock. And, I'm jealous. How do you do it? I am constantly fighting with my little night owl (gee, wonder where he gets that from??) to be in the bed by 8:30 if I'm lucky, but usually 9:00. Granted, he doesn't have to get up until 7:30, but still. I would love for him to be asleep by 8. I'm working on it!!
You so totally rock!!! I am a huge schedule person!! It makes a huge difference when they have a routine to follow everyday.
You go girl! All very excellent points. Your kiddos sound awesome.
Amen. As a soon-to-be teacher, I think I would greatly appreciate the students who are attentive and ready to work over the students who are sleep-deprived with no attention span whatsoever. And the fact is, they're your kids. Period. :)
I am SO the sleep nazi around here. You WILL take a nap and you WILL sleep or lay in there til I believe you are fully rested.
Abby was in bed yesterday for about 13hrs she woke so Happy this morning:)
I'm with ya! Although mine go to bed at 7;30. I want to start a business as a sleep wisperer! I had my kids sleeping in THEIR own beds through the night at 2mos. And by that I mean 10 hours!! They also took naps that rocked every day!! They have never slept in our room nor have I have had sleep issues in my house. I started good sleep habits the moment they came home from the hospital and it has served our family well!! Carin Geraci
I agree with everything you said. They are your precious children!
Right on Sista! My daughter gets her 10- 11 hours every night! We have nothing but smiles in the morning!
You are doing it exactly right. You certainly didn't need to hear it from me, but you are so right!
Couldn't agree with you more! My two (ages 4 and 2 1/2) go to bed at 7pm and easily sleep 12 hours...AND still take naps. It's all about the routine you set early on! Also, these same children started sleeping through the night at 10 weeks and 3 weeks - and they were breastfed so it can be done! When my mommy friends would ask me how do we do it, I would explain our "method", nothing crazy, just basically after reading stories: "it's bedtime, go to sleep...good night...i love you" and they would go on and on about how they (the parents!) just couldn't do it. They couldn't listen to the kids cry for even a minute before they were laying down with them, etc, etc. So fast forward 4 years and those kids are still troubled sleepers! I'm so glad we stuck to our guns and didn't let the bad habits creep in. I want to snuggle with my babies as much as the next person, but as the parent, I should do what is in their best interest. I'd much rather have a confident, secure child who can put themselves to sleep. We are ALWAYS the first to leave a party in order to get our kids to bed at a decent hour. I am always amazed when I am out at Target or elsewhere after I have put my kids to bed and I see toddlers out shopping or out to dinner past 9pm. I realize that some families have completely different schedules, but when the child is having a tantrum or sacked out in a stroller, I'd say it's time to go home and put that child to bed!
I'm SO with you on this. My 7 year old is in bed by 7 and my 2 yr old by 6:30. We have quality time after school, on weekends and holidays, but bedtime is bedtime.
PLUS it gives me (and hubby) time for ourselves in the evening!
My 3 sisters and I had a 7pm bedtime until I was in 7th grade and finally put my foot down. :)
We turned out GREAT if I do say so myself... :)
Preppy in VT
@ youngest bathed and in bed by 8:00, woke up again happy as clams!! We were at school when they openend!! WHOO HOO! Our CCD is 6:15-7:30pm.. Early to bed early to rise!!
I agree 100%! My kids have always had earlier bedtimes than their friends, but they are sick less, do extremely well in school, and rarely melt down... the results speak for themselves. Also, it's not like they're laying in bed awake, unable to get to sleep. Ten minutes tops and they're sound asleep.
Amen, sister!
AMEN!!! My 10 Month old goes down at 6:30 - every.freaking.night! NO EXCEPTIONS!
I totally agree with you on the sleeping. Grandparents, etc still can't believe I put him down so early and he sleeps until 7 (as in AM) You do not mess with the sleep!! Sleep = Happy Boy!
Loving you and your blog from NC :-)
Amen, Sister!
Did you happen to mention that when you put them to bed they fall asleep ... that is what happens when babies are tired at the end of the day!
I am not sure why people feel they need to comment on others lives! I get it all the time having a special ed child and it always baffles me ... Am I wearing a shirt that says please give me advice that will completely tick me off?
Good parents know their children and their individual needs ... and they react to them!
You go! I totally agree with this post. I am referred to as the "nap nazi" in our neighborhood as my kindergartner still takes one. I have yet to meet a kid that I can't get to nap. So, my kids all take naps (at the same time daily), and are in bed at 7:45, and up by 6:15 to begin the day.
When my kids were little and I was teaching all day, I'd have them in bed by 8PM. THEN I'd do the dishes, laundry, my own school work and make the lunches, etc.
Often I'd head out to the grocery store at 10PM...and what would I see? All the Wednesday night church people WITH their children all dressed up doing the shopping that late at night! And who got to teach those cranky kids the next day? Oh well, at least mine were rested!
My kids also go to bed early! My 3 year olds go at 6 ands my 6 year old goes at 7. They sleep all night till 6 or 7 am! I am right there with you and keep doing what you are doing! Sleep is so important!
oh I love it! and me too....
I totally don't get people that let their kids stay up until 10pm. My husband has a friend that lets their all their children stay up until they fall out (10-11pm) their ages are 2, 5, 10 and 13. No wonder they do so badly in school and life. HELLO! My kids are in bed ready for sleep at 8pm no questions asked. My baby is in bed at 7:30 end of story! They don't have to get up until 7 to be at school until 8. So I agree with you 110%. Bedtime is so important to the whole house!
Clemsongirl,
This is totally off topic, except for the fact you mention you rarely give advice, and I'd like to request some advice from you.
After graduating from law school and taking the bar exam, I'll be moving at the end of this summer to a new town. Since you've moved so many times, and seem to be super-organized I thought I'd see if you'd do a post on moving advice. Other than my move from college to law school, this will be my first big move.
Thanks!
I need my husband to read your post. I am always trying to get him to get his son to bed earlier, but I'm fighting a losing battle. Plus I have to watch what I say because he's my stepson so I have to walk that fine line. It's very frustrating because I know he needs more sleep!!
BTW - I ordered my first pair of magic pants on Target.com yesterday. I can't wait to get them!
I completely agree with you! I raised 4 children who (even as teenagers) had an early bedtime! Children need their sleep and quality time goes much better without cranky children!! You Go Girl!!
So well said.
It just kills me when people judge parenting skills OVER THE INTERNET, of someone they haven't met before. Hopefully this commenter meant, well, but still - ?!? I'm not even a parent yet, but - how about everyone just mind their own kidlets?
In the alto section of your choir, belting out my AMEN! (out of tune, of course)
I am also the sleep nazi and my kids go to bed at 8:00 every single night. I work all day and we don't get home until 5:30, or else I'd put them to bed at 6:30. I'm with ya girl!!! Keep up the great work!
I totally agree. I am newly married and don't plan on being a mom for a couple years still - but I will absolutely enforce an early bedtime! Plus, that means more time with the husband at night and therefore is great for the marriage!
I would enjoy the sleep from them now while you can because it won't last!! What do you do when the sun is blazing into their rooms? Do you have room-darkening shades?
Some people are just too nosey for their own good. You do what is best for YOUR family, "others" can do whatever they want. Maybe I should put mine to bed earlier and see if that helps them get up better in the a.m!
I know you probably don't need one more person telling you how right you are but, you are so right! My sister has four kids (with a 5th one one the way!) and there is no way that she could have a sane household, a happy marriage and healthy, thriving kids if they didn't get at least 10 hrs of sleep! But just like you she gets a lot of lip service from people who let their kids stay up until 9-10pm. She doesn't care though, her kids are the ones who rarely get sick, do well in school, and she gets some important hubby time too!
You go girl! Every parent is entitled to make their own decisions on how to raise their kids.
Don't EVEN get me started on this subject girl!! I use to HATE it when people said *My child WON"T go to bed at 7:30*. They were talking about a ONE YEAR OLD!! I would say *You mean they can get out of bed already?* PLEASE!! I have three adult kids now but they were in bed by 7:30 every night until 3rd grade....when we moved it up to 8:00. My opinion: Jealousy! You go girl!
We put! They are your kids and you should be the judge....no one else!
I'm with you - my kids go to bed between 6:30 and 7 every night & they probably will continue to for the next few years. I can't imagine how miserable they would be if they were up late!! Kids need sleep - I can not IMAGINE being in the house of the commenter whose 2 year old is up until 10!!!
You go, Clemsongirl. You are right! I have also been called a sleep nazi (luckily, not by my daughter yet). Staying up late is no reward in our house - for anyone. Between 7 & 7:30 every single night. It looks like we have alot of company,too..
Oh Clemsongirl, you are amazing! I too believe in sleep and always have. People can't believe that I have a middle schooler (5th grader who is 10) that still climbs in bed at 8pm...the same time as his 7 and 5 year old siblings. It's what we do and it workds. They are TIRED by that time and are more than ready. And don't tell anyone :), when I'm home alone with them it's more like 7:30!
I hear 'ya CG - and I'm so guilty of letting my little guy stay up until 8:30 or after. 'Cause that only gives me about 2 hours with him at the end of the day. But I couldn't agree more about sleep. If only there were sleep Nazis for tired mamas.
my 4 and 7 year olds are in bed by 7pm too - non-negotiable in our house...people think we are weird (esp. the inlaws) but sleep begets sleep! and the bonus is bryan and i get the night to ourselves...why would anyone keep their kids up late? anyhoo...
Enjoy the early bed times now.Mine always were in bed by 7:30 when they were young. Most of the commenters seem to have young children, wait until they are 9,10,11, and older. That's when all the intense HOMEWORK starts (I live in the Chicago suburbs and my particular school district loooves homework). Our elementary school is from 9 to 3:45, middle 8 to 3,so they aren't getting home early. It gets difficult, especially if your kids are in sports/activites. My 3 sons have athletic practices after school. Football, baseball, basketball, many times the practices are from 5:30 to 7:30 three times a week, plus a game and that doesn't include travel time or the overzealous coach that wants to run "just one more play". Also, if they take private music lessons,that's one more activity in the evening. We don't have them in lots of activities, just one at a time. but 3 kids, 3 activities,not to mention the school things like musicals, book fairs, fundraisers.etc. ENJOY the sleep while you can. I'm envious :)
I am so with you. Both my kids are in bed at 6:30. Once my 3 year old gave up his nap, 6:30 without complaint.
My one year old has been 6 to 6:30 since she was 8 months. Best thing I ever did.
I just don't understand parents that let their kids stay up until 10. Kids need 12 to 15 hours of sleep. The end.
I think your poster is probably just jealous - I know I am!!! Oh how I wish I had trained mine better earlier....
That is awesome!!! My little girl (10yrs old) goes to bed 8:30pm every night. It cracks me up to hear that she is ALWAYS the first to fall asleep at sleepovers.
You can be the Sleep Nazi. (My hubbs calls me the DreamCrusher since I am always saying no to his requests for crazy computer purchases. :)
You go, girl! I love the way you respond to the idiots who leave such retarded comments on your blog! So matter of fact and classy! Love it!!
Both my boys (ages 2 and 5) go to bed at 7:30pm each night, but actually went to bed at 6:40pm the night yours did, too. If the boys are tired or had a long day, there is absolutely no shame in putting them to bed that early! Their little bodies and minds need that sleep! Ain't no shame in the game ... keep up the wonderful parenting, ClemsonGirl!!
I am in total agreement. My daughters go to bed at 7am (and I hope they sleep until 6:30). And, I'm sick of people telling me that they can stay up later. No, they can't. And, no they won't sleep in!
You rock!
Another 6:45 here. 7:00 some nights, and people call us "early people" It's irritating, becuse my kids aren't freaks or anything, just well rested, well adjusted little people. Plus, s an added bonus, I actually get some stuff done before I go to bed.
Hi there! I'm a new reader, and love your blog. Anyhow, I'm pregnant w/ my first, and I am all about setting a sleeping routine. I just wanted to say that I agree with you! Keep up the good mommy work! :-)
Excellent and gracious post, Clemsongirl!
I am a bit jealous...we don't even get home from work, etc until 6. After all, people would really get grumpy if all pharmacies closed at 3:00. :)
Thankfully 8 pm works for our family. It does make for a quick 2hours of supper, baths, and snuggles though.
I think you are right in theory. I do, however think many kids (and yes their parents ARE jealous, like me!) won't go to bed that early. My son from a very early age (we "sleep trained" him) would cry for 45 mins to two hours when we put him to bed. Now, at age 7, he doesn't cry, he talks. His bedtime is 7:30 (reads til 8) and when his lights go out, he talks to himself, sings, etc, and is generally good but simply NOT ASLEEP until 10:00. We do our best to tire him out with activities but that might buy a half hour, at most. I think he was born an adult. I do think he could use more sleep, but short of shouting every night (and I honestly don't think that would make him sleep earlier--just be quieter) or drugs, he is not going to sleep earlier. My daughter (4) (who cried constantly no matter where she was for the first year of her life) falls asleep more readily now but gets out of bed routinely and no amount of any method stops her getting out 5-15 times a night. She's done this since she could walk (and I had to switch her to a toddler bed to prevent her injuring herself climbing out of the crib at night). I think folks whose kids do go to bed at 6:30 should pity us rather than assuming we haven't tried the right method or are too lax. I do think sleep is important. If you can get them to sleep, do it. But I am not keeping my kids up. They are keeping me up!
Ummm, if I had a "Coach," I would definantly send the kids to bed early, too! Hello! He is georgous! Just kidding...well, not really. You are a great mom! I applaud you!!!
Pam
I could not agree with you more!! My mother put us to bed early every day of our lives...even in the summer when it was still daylight outside!! When we complained about it still being light outside, she would say close your eyes and it will be dark!! My mother was an awesome mother and I followed in her footsteps with my children. You go girl!!
You go!!!!
I was singing Amen and Alleluia through my entire reading of your post!
(And I'm Catholic.)
Oh girl I am so on your side on this. I swear that if I lived in GA., we would be BFF. NOT kidding. I've had a hair cycle for years!
Anyhow, my kids go to bed between 7-7:30 every single night. My kids are happy, they don't throw fits and we aren't fighting the 5 o'clock terrors (you know the kids that get those). I have friends who think we are absolutely crazy for this, but those are the friends who's kids melt down at the smallest things and are unhappy 90% of the time. We are very strict about sleep around here and oh yeah, EVERYONE sleeps in his or her own bed. The bed in the master bedroom belongs to my husband and I am no one else, thank you very much. Thanks for this...I feel normal now!
I have a friend who's kids fall asleep in the car all the time and she asks, "your's don't?" Um, no cause they sleep enough at night while your kids are still rockin around the house.
That is awesome that your children go to sleep that early. Diva gets 10-12 hours sleep a night, but she does not get up until 8am.
Your house= your rules. Especially when kids are involved.
Bedtime is the most wonderful time of the day. Sleeping is my favorite.
It's 8:30 at my house. I work FT. I'm a terrible mother because I am so ready for them to bed it isn't even funny.
I also give them candy and bribe them.
Redbull for breakfast.
And we sit down at the dinner table with bowls full of sugar and eat it with a spork.
It's pretty cool.
Holly
My kids are all grown and every one of them went to bed every night at 7ish when they were little. They were always happy and well rested in the mornings and did extremely well in school. They kept to the same schedule on the weekends too. Keep on doing what you are doing :) Well done.
I always put my kids to bed by 7 and as they got older they would read for 1/2 an hour. Like yours they were happy, easy to take out and did well at school. I could never figure out why people kept their children up late. Seemed like many of them were letting their children watch inappropriate tv shows with them as a way of bonding. Now that they are older and have lots of homework it's a whole new sleep routine.
I agree with you completely! My kiddos are in bed by 7pm every night and sleep until 7am, along with a 2-3 hour nap every afternoon. They NEED their sleep and are bears if they don't get enough!!
ok- so let me be your 115th comment...............you know we think you rock!!! I can remember a few summer walks at about 5:30 or 6ish and no minis to be found! Praise the Lord you let them get their sleep. Did you know, Campbell is the only Kindergartener to take a nap each Sat. and Sun -ha!!!
Right there with you on the 7pm bedtime although mine are a little younger almost 4 and 2. I have no trouble with the 4 year old since she rarely takes naps. But I am usually fighting with the younger one even after shortening her nap time a little. But I do have a question, how do you pull off a 7pm bedtime during the summer? My kiddos do not want to think about bed with the daylight.
Just found the blog. Sleep rocks. Go, girl! (All four of my kids slept 7p - 7a (12 hours a night!!) for YEARS. Sanity for everyone.
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