Posted on 05/04/2018
What do fireflies, bon fires, and fireworks have in common? Okay, they all happen to include the word "fire," but what else? We all probably have fond childhood memories surrounding them, and they all happen after dark, during the summertime. Well, for parents of little ones whose bedtimes come when it's still light outside, the desire to create happy summer memories can, instead, create extra opportunities for melt downs. How do you achieve one while avoiding the other? We have a few suggestions.
Keep Bedtimes Regular
Kids thrive on routines — and bedtime routines in particular — and require plenty of sleep. We highly suggest not succumbing to the temptation to chuck bedtimes altogether during the summer months, even if the sun is still up. Of course, if you've used the explanation that we go to bed and get up with the sun, you might need to regroup a little bit. Maybe you could even incorporate sun-themed books into your bedtime routine. (You might also want to include this one about the August 2017 solar eclipse!)
To help little ones to feel sleepy even when it's still light out, you can install room-darkening window treatments — also referred to as "blackout curtains." The optimal environment for good sleep is not only dark but also cool, so crank up the AC or consider installing window units or a ceiling fan in your child's room.
Allow for Rare Exceptions
If you allow too many exceptions to the rule, your kids will start to notice, and you'll make bedtime into a free for all. And no one likes that. But when you allow for rare, special exceptions to the rule, you can still keep your routines, most days. But here's the most important part: when we say "allow for," we also mean that you'll need to "prepare for" these exceptional events. A last-minute, ill-timed late night can wreak havoc for young kids.
• Keep daytime activities low key
• Plan to give your child extra attention
• Leave the next morning free
By allowing for extra rest before and after the scheduled special night and making sure to prepare so that you can actually engage with your child during it (instead of multi-tasking), you can create those fun, lasting memories with your child.
Keep Expectations Low
Here's the kicker: Your most prominent childhood memories probably aren't from your toddler or preschool years. And each treasured tradition may not have happened just the way you remember it, every single year. There were exceptions, and not every mental vingnette may be completely accurate anyway. If your child doesn't experience roasting s'mores at a bon fire until he's 6 or 8 or 10, he will survive. And he'll probably enjoy it even more when you do finally decide you can handle letting him stay up after dark.
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