I *hate* bedtime

[Rosehip]

There. I said it. I feel like an awful mom. But there's nothing I like about it. I'm shot, the kids are shot, it seems like it takes FOREVER to get them in pajamas, teeth brushed, I don't like bathtime, etc. Someone needs water, doesn't want to go to bed yet, etc....

I'm sure at some point I'll regret not enjoying this time, but please, dear God, when will they be able to put themselves to bed???

[Barefoot~Baker]

I thought I was the only one

I really WANT it to be pleasant, but I hate it. The kids seem to enjoy it, but I can't get it over with fast enough, and tbh my own mentality saddens me.

[lifeguard]

I only have one & I DREAD bedtime.

[lindberg99]

How old are your kids? My youngest is 5 and I really look forward to bedtime now. I go lay down with him and read to him, etc. I'm going to miss it when he doesn't need me to lay down with him anymore.

ANyway, I think it's definitely an age-related thing. I can't really remember when my older two started putting themselves to bed, I'd guess maybe 2nd grade??

[North_Of_60]

I've very recently joined this group. Our daughter, who will be 4 in March, used to be soooo good. Now she BEGS to "stay up for a little bit". And when I try to explain that it's bed time, she keeps interrupting me saying "mom, MOM! I have to tell you something", which ends up being "can I stay up for a little bit?".

Repeat ad nauseum.

[North_Of_60]

Originally Posted by lindberg99

I'm going to miss it when he doesn't need me to lay down with him anymore.

This too. When she was younger I actually put a TV and a cable box in her room because it used to take her TWO HOURS to nurse down. I would go crazy. I wanted so badly to tuck her in, say good night, and walk out of the room. And we were finally there. Until this week.

But you're absolutely right. I'm going to be so sad when she's on the other side of the door and doesn't want me to snuggle with her at bed time.

[Barefoot~Baker]

Originally Posted by lindberg99

How old are your kids? My youngest is 5 and I really look forward to bedtime now. I go lay down with him and read to him, etc. I'm going to miss it when he doesn't need me to lay down with him anymore.

ANyway, I think it's definitely an age-related thing. I can't really remember when my older two started putting themselves to bed, I'd guess maybe 2nd grade??

My older 2 are 6 and 4, and they also do this:

Originally Posted by North_Of_60

"mom, MOM! I have to tell you something"

and my dh and I are like:

[VisionaryMom]

I'd suggest changing up the routine. We used to have the hours upon hours to go to bed, too, and we finally just changed things up. That helped tremendously. Now, when possible, I give the kids a bath long before "bedtime" - just when I know we don't need to go out anymore and they'll be inside. That alone has shaved a lot of the frustration off the bedtime routine.

[Alyantavid]

I hate bedtime too. I'm so done at that point and the "mom? I have to tell you something!" 45 times makes me insane.

My 7 year old is actually fine, it's the 3 year old that kills me.