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Since he was just three months old, our son has been an amazing sleeper, drifting off easily and sleeping right through the night. My wife and I felt immense joy and gratitude, knowing that all our work in creating a calming bedtime routine had truly paid off.
From the beginning, we wanted to make bedtime a soothing and comforting experience. We established a consistent routine: a warm bath, followed by quiet playtime, dimming the lights, reading bedtime stories, and snuggling together in his cozy crib.
There were challenges along the way, of course, like nights when he was fussy or restless, needing more patience and gentleness to help him settle down. But we stuck in, understanding that a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for young children to feel secure and relaxed.
As our son grew older, his bedtime routine became a favourite part of our family’s day. We still follow many of the same rituals, but we've added new elements to accommodate his changing needs and interests. Every night, our family get together in his room, snuggling in the rocking chair, reading books, singing songs, and sharing lots of cuddles. It's a routine filled with love and giggles, and it always does the trick. When he turned 18 months old, we moved him to a big boy bed, and the routine continued without a hitch.
But then, one night when he was about 2.5 years old, everything changed. He started getting up for all sorts of reasons: "More books, please!" or "One more kiss, please!" Sometimes it was a sore finger, a sudden need to use the toilet, or the blanket not covering his toes just right. His requests seemed endless, and we found ourselves in a whole new world of bedtime challenges. Something we weren’t at all used to.
"Despite the chaos, one thing remained constant: our love for books."
Nights turned into a bit of a circus, with bedtime landing closer to midnight. Some nights, he’d get out of bed up to 20 times, leaving us exhausted and frustrated. To keep him safe in our two-story home, we have needed to put a lock on his bedroom door because our three cats couldn’t figure out how to jump over the baby gate at the top of the stairs, so we have had to leave that open, but because he can open doors, when he is in bed, the child-lock is needed to stop him getting up and tumbling out of bed. Despite the chaos, one thing remained constant: our love for books. Our son is a total bookworm, with a passion for stories ranging from deep to downright silly. Books are our lifeline, bringing moments of calm and joy amidst the bedtime craziness.
We read everything from "A Morning with Blueberry" to "Kathi Q. Builds a Time Machine." We sang along to "Love You Forever" and swooned over "I Love You to the Moon and Back." "Prince & Knight" and "The Boy with Big, Big Feelings" are also big hits in our house.
Books aren't just important to him; they're a big part of our lives too. We find comfort in the pages of a good book and cherish the bond we share with him through reading. We are constantly marveling at how books can transport us to different worlds, all from the comfort of our home.
One of his favorites is "Albie and the Space Rocket." He loves the thrill of adventure in the story and often dreams of blasting off into space himself.
Despite the bedtime battles, we know that books are more than just stories. They're a source of education, bonding, and comfort. As we navigate the bedtime madness, we take comfort in the power of a good book, knowing that a new adventure awaits us in the pages.
As his love for books grows, so does his collection. He has about nine books in his bed, ready to be pulled out at a moment's notice. We often find him asleep with a book on his face during nap time, evidence to his deep love for reading.
Reading during the day is fun, but there's something special about reading before bed. The bond feels different, and he seems to pay more attention. Perhaps it's the quiet of the evening or the comfort of being tucked in, but whatever it is, bedtime stories hold a special place in our hearts.
We are also amazed at how books can take us to other places while still being at home. We can explore far-off lands, meet fantastical creatures, and embark on thrilling adventures, all from the comfort of our living room.
Growing up, books played a significant role in shaping our lives. My wife has vivid memories of reading "Visite à la Ferme" with her parents, a book she loved so much she learned it by heart. The colorful illustrations and engaging story captivated her, sparking her imagination and instilling a lifelong love for reading.
One of my fondest childhood memories revolves around the book "Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy." This charming story about a mischievous dog and his adventures in the neighborhood captured my imagination and fueled my love for storytelling. Even as an adult, I find myself reminiscing about the adventures of Hairy Maclary and his friends.
Now, as parents, we are eager to pass on our love for books to our son. I’ve scoured the internet to find a copy of "Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy" to read to our son, hoping he will find the same joy and wonder in the story that I did. My wife, on the other hand, has introduced him to "Visite à la Ferme," hoping to ignite his imagination and creativity, just as it did for her.
"Through the hard times and the sleepless nights, stories have been a source of comfort and solace, guiding us through the challenges of parenting and life. "