Bad Bedtime Behavior

2BoyClub's story

July 30, 2007

As a single mother of two energetic boys, I looked forward to their bedtime. Love them as I did, at the end of the day I was exhausted and ready for some adult time (read: a refreshing beverage and a mindless sitcom). But that was not to be for me. Night after night, the boys would come out (on their best behavior, of course) with one thing or another that they forgot to tell me, or for a bathroom run, or any number of things. With babysitters and family members often putting them to bed, I couldn't nail down a training routine.

My boys are grown now and recently I've been spending time with my younger sister and her three toddlers. I was astounded at her children's bedtime behavior. These kids practically put themselves to sleep! The one-year-old handed me his blanket one night, lifted his arms for me to pick him up, and said "night-night." Come on!

I figured she was blessed with easy kids, but it was not the case. She was given a book titled, "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by a friend and followed its advice. She bought and passed on this book, she has told me, for all her friends who are headed for an experience like I had (she was one of my babysitters).

Recently, her 2-year-old daughter fell out of her healthy sleep habits. My sister dusted off the book and read the chapter on toddlers. Peace was restored before long.

As a mother who often fell asleep before her toddlers (without the benefit of either a refreshing beverage or a sitcom of any quality) I highly recommend this book, which helps get parents, and their kids, what they need.