We all look forward to it, don't we?
At least, we look forward to the time when those energetic little ones finally rest, so we can too.
Luckily, I've been blessed to get to look forward to the actual getting-ready-for-bed rigamarole also! For some reason, it isn't a huge struggle in our family... in fact, it's a lovely bonding time!
I guess I'm making it sound like the "some reason" is unbeknownst to me and we've just had this fate befall us.
To tell the truth, though, I do know the reason. It's called: Daddy!
I still remember the conversation I was having in college with an attractive member of the male species. He mentioned that he planned to take the advice of one of his professors who suggested a secret to success in marriage and parenthood:
Daddy does bedtime.
I decided to marry said male right then and there!
Mommy is so worn out from making decisions and refereeing and cleaning up messes and her patience has worn thin and she just wants to go to bed herself, not try to convince and connive and coerce.
Daddy hasn't yet gotten to spend quality time with his offspring and he brings a different kind of energy to the experience. The kids are excited to get to spend time with him, even if it means they end up asleep -- at least they're dreaming sweet dreams.
We post a list of things bedtime includes so the kids can keep Daddy focused. Tee hee! And of course the kids manage to convince Daddy to read several books... using voices and all.
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| Sometimes Daddy falls asleep too! |
All-in-all, from the time Daddy sends them off to put on pajamas to when their eyelids are finally closed for the night, it's a good hour of his time, but he doesn't seem to mind. He's had a chance to reconnect with these precious children of his, chatting as they ask questions about the stories.
And Mommy has been relaxing (recovering?) in the other room... So when Dad comes to do bedtime with her, they reconnect successfully in their own special way!
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