BellaOnline Forums Family Early Childhood Should Young Children Have Bedtimes?

How does bedtime work at your house? Here -- my 5 year old goes to bed at 7 pm during the school year, and my 1 year old right behind. But this summer, with numerous area activities like kids' concerts and movies at the park and whatnot, bedtimes seem to have all but disappeared. Which makes me an often cranky mama!

Here's some of my thoughts on kids and bedtimes and how to figure out what your kids and your family need.

Should Young Children Have Bedtimes?

Nicki

I definitely saw how effective routine bedtimes are when we were visiting our friends with their two boys under 3. Early evenings were extremely hectic with my friend trying to cook, feed both children, change nappies, and keep them from tearing the house apart. But once the boys were tucked up in bed, they could sit down to a leisurely dinner with their guests (us) and actually have a proper conversation. I'm not sure if they eat with the boys when they don't have guests, but either way they have a nice long evening to spend together afterwards. I thought it was a very practical way to do things, and I'm sure it helps the sanity.

Having a set bedtime is a must for your sanity. Having a regular routine helps kids know what to expect next and help them make the transition from a busy day to sleep. It may take a while for them to get used to it, but it's well worth it.

Perhaps for now, keep the routines simple and a little later so they can enjoy all those fun summer activities as well.

Thanks for that article. I like how it covered a variety of lifestyles. I know in my house it has run the gamut from working mom with my first to stay at home and now work at home with my last two.

I can't say that we've found the perfect balance yet but we are trying hard to accomodate the needs across the different ages. I am so happy my oldest started 6th grade and has to get up earlier in the morning because I think her sleep needs parallel the needs of her younger sisters at 2 1/2 and 4 1/2. They all need sleep and by golly I want it all to be at the same time! LOL

P.S.

Thanks for the info on the books. I might be picking up one of those.