Sometime after dinner, usually 6:00/ 6:30 we take our showers or bath. I take my shower first and then Michael takes his. Michael doesn't always take a shower or bath, but usually. I find he's much more relaxed if he has. If he takes a bath I always put a few drops of lavender essential oil in the bath to relax.
After we're all cleaned up we go to his room to get him dressed. After the jammies are on, our magical bird comes out and helps us clean his playroom. The magic bird talks to him and shows him where to pick up. The room gets cleaned quickly and happily when magic bird is involved. I love this part of our ritual because the next morning his room is a clean slate and ready for a new day of play. However, if that day we had put together his wooden train or road system then we'll leave it up to play with the next day.
When we're done cleaning we go back into the bathroom and brush teeth. Then we go into the bedroom where we co-sleep and light our nighttime candle. Michael gets to blow out the match, his favorite thing. We turn on the dimmer light and read 3 books. Less, if I'm too tired. Then I turn out the light, Michael blows out the candle and after a little bit of talking or singing, we go to sleep. Often I get up and sew after he falls asleep at around 7:30/ 8:00pm.
We go to bed earlier now than we ever had before. Partly because Michael stopped taking consistent naps and partly because I realized that bedtime went well if I wasn't too tired. If I'm tired and short tempered then his behavior follows suit. Amazing how much my energy creates our experience. Our bedtime is now peaceful and relaxing. Michael knows what to expect and is happy with our ritual.
Do any of you have a bedtime verse we can add to our ritual? How does bed time go in your family? What rituals do you have for bedtime?
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Our bedtime routine is similar. After dinner we tidy up and my husband gives Pookie and bath. When they are done she calls for me and I carry her to our bedroom. We brush her teeth, which involved brushing the caterpillars and turning them into butterflies. She likes to point the them as they fly away. I get her into her pjs and she gets under the covers and ready for books. We usually read 3-5. We turn the lights off and she nurses to sleep. I have in the past tried doing a massage but she just wanted to get right to reading books! I would also love to have a bedtime song or verse. I hope you find one I can borrow!
ReplyDeleteoh Becca, you do inspire me! Our rhythm is so scattered right now, I am reminded as I read your blog of our goal of rhythm, finding our rhythm and honoring it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteC.
I love this post and the chocolate eyes post :) They have us wrapped around their little fingers don't they? :D I love your magic bird and candle ritual. You are creating so much magic together.
ReplyDeleteWell, it seems like we all have the same idea about bedtime. we have always been pretty lucky as Esau will most nights fall asleep without any issues. He's starting to potty train, so now that is a challenge!
ReplyDeleteHi! I found your blog through Mom in Madison. My children are a little older now, so our bedtime ritual is mainly for the two youngest, 5 and 9. Our bedtime ritual is the best "remnant" from our time at a Waldorf school. We say our "thankfuls", then there is a verse for each season, and finally three songs, ending with singing taps. They are usually fast asleep by this point. Our winter verse is "Softly sighs the evening wind, through the mountains wending, sleepy birds fold their wings, Now the day is ending, little gnomes are sleepy too, into their houses creeping, mid the tree roots deep below, now they're soundly sleeping" I'm not sure which Waldorf book I picked it up from, sorry. It's a wonderful thing, to send them off to sleep with your presence and your voice. Congratulations on your pregnancy! -Amy
ReplyDeleteHi! It's me again, for some reason my whole name appeared on this comment, I think I've changed it for this one. Would you delte the one with my name and I'll redo the message if you want. You can e-mail me or leave a comment over on my blog. ms_ellaneous@charter.net
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the hassle.-Amy