Q&A (Part 2): Bed, Bath and Sleepy Times

This post is a response to the question posted in Part 1:  Shopping– How do you do it?

In regards to how we handle bedtime, we have a nightly routine.  ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE (I can’t stress that enough).  That’s how we do it.

As soon as we get home we take off our coats and go directly to the table for dinner.  Dinner was prepared the night before, so there aren’t any surprises.  With both boys occupied, I run upstairs to change my clothes, go to the bathroom and prepare for baths and bedtime.

The minute dinner is done, we move onto baths.  Before we step foot into the bathroom I make sure that there is a diaper and clean pair of pajamas for each kid- with us in the bathroom.  As soon as DS2 is all washed up, he comes out and gets into pajamas, so DS1 has a little extra time to play in the bath.  I try to limit the amount of toys in the bathtub so that there’s less time spent cleaning them all up.  As soon as DS2 is in pajamas, it’s time for DS1 to come out.  Then we brush teeth and say good-night.

Bath time is usually very stressful for me, since I have to be there at all times.  I know I can’t just run to a different room to grab something, so advanced preparation is key.  I basically spend more time preparing for bath time, than giving the kids a bath.  This is one of the reasons my kids only take a bath 3 times a week.  I consider all non-bath nights’ mini-vacations, which are rewards for being such a great mom 😉

By the time both boys are in pajamas, DS2 is usually exhausted and I can just put him in his crib.  He usually falls asleep on his own and I don’t have to worry about him (this came after many days spent sleep training him).   DS1 knows that it’s time for bed.  We read 2-3 stories, close the light, say Shema and sing songs.  When DS1 is getting really sleepy, I slip away…

So, basically, that’s how I do it.  It isn’t easy and it took a long time to come up with this routine.  As the boys grow, it changes and we try new things.  I believe that anyone can come up with a routine that works for them.  The trick is to stick with it!

Do you have a question you’d like to ask?  Please email me and I’ll be more than happy to tell you what works for me!

Until next time,
Shaindy