I had intended to write something interesting today, but instead I'm just sitting here in a stupor, feeling like a tabby cat that's been dragged around by the tail all day. My kids have worn me down to a half a nub.
I thought bedtimes were supposed to get easier as children get older. Ha! It takes nearly two hours to urge, cajole, argue, and convince my teens and adolescents that they really do need sleep. Gosh, it's like wrestling a herd of Tasmanian devils - by the time it's over, I'm covered in teeth marks and they're foaming at the mouth. It really sets the stage for sweet dreams of family harmony when the last words my kids hear at night is, "I'd better not hear that basketball hit the ceiling one more time, or you're going to be grounded for eternity while I run off to Brazil! And I'm taking the dogs, the computer, and the cell phone with me!"
Exhausted sigh. Am I the only mother who struggles with this?
Woman, you are too funny. How does your brain function well enough to think of hysterical metaphors, similies, and phrases? We (hubby, daughter, and I) have been reading your posts for the last half-hour. Girl, *you're* the one keeping us awake! (Tonight, at least.)
Yeah, we definitely struggle with the teenage "bedtime routine." I can usually get the little kids in bed within an hour of starting, but the teens...HA! It used to be I couldn't sleep until everyone was in bed. That has now changed. I give the word ("It's time to get ready for bed."), I wave the magic wand of obedience (yeah right, like I'm really gonna use *that* anymore!), I attempt to clear my bedroom of teens (usually only succeeding when I threaten, "I'm taking off my clothes now!"), then I give them all hugs and tell them to be quiet so I can sleep. Okay, maybe I don't sleep *really* well until the final noises die down (somewhere around 1 or 2 am), but hey, at least I'm in bed semi-conscious.
The real trouble begins the next morning. Little kids are up early; teens sleep in. It's sleep deprivation tag-team style.
Nope...my fourteen-year-old never wants to go to bed, either...nor does she want to get up in the mornings. Half of the time, I just go to bed and leave her up, with threats of grounding if she wakes me or her siblings up...because she has been known to come and want to tell me about something she "just thought about" at 1:00 AM. Sigh. Then I have to do everything but sit on her and blow a bull horn in her face to get her out of bed in the mornings. Ah, the joys!
I've read a book in the past year, I can't remember it's name, but then I can't remember my own children's names half the time, that said that teens are wired to stay up later and get up later. The book says this was so that the teens, with sharper eyes, could help with spotting danger. My dh cynically says that this was so teens could sneak off into the bushes with each other under the cover of darkness. Who knows? Anyway, you're fighting biology, woman! They can't help it.
NO WAY are you the only Mother who struggles with this! I call mine untamed Pit Bulls sometimes, I like your Tasmanian Devils visual better! Hang in there Mom! We all go through it.
You are not alone my friend! About 6 months ago, I gave up the fight. Literally. The rules are now: My daughter goes to her room at 9 pm. (she's about to be 10), my son (who is about to be 13) goes to his room at 9:30. They can read, listen to music, write, draw, anything BUT watch TV. They can stay up as late as they want to, as long as they DON'T come out of the bedroom. The first time they come out, its lights out. I don't care if they stare at the dark all night! It has worked pretty well so far....Good luck!!!
Cindy
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10:08 AM, Jun. 12, 2006
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Bedtime around my house is never complete without me yelling up the stairs at least eight times at full blast or until I am hoarse. And my kids aren't even close to being teenagers! Carrie
Edited by carrielouise on Jun. 12, 2006 at 8:09 AM
things were so bad here today that my mom drove 30 minutes one way to rescue one of my children (I mean me). How is it children can get into so much trouble BEFORE NOON!!! Thanks for the laugh, alhtough I am sure it is not funny at the time. I know I shed my fair share of tears today. It is nice to know that there are so many of us that share this common bond. At least we aren't alone. Although, perhaps we should all talk to God and see He could change our commonality to liking the color ...salmon or something. Have a blessed day!
