Since the birth of Liz, there had been some changes to Donald & Toria’s bedtime.
Previously, they would sleep at 11pm, waking up 9/10am. Â But after Liz was born, they started to wake up at 7am, so they CAN’T continue sleeping only at 11pm, so calculating based on the amount of sleep they require at their age, their bed time was shifted forward to 8pm. (well, by the time they fall asleep, it is usually around 830pm)
Some comments:
“huh? who sleeps at 8pm?”
“so early ah? Â no life man!”
“but my husband comes back late, if we do that too, my husband don’t see them at all!”
 Well, all valid comments.  But look at the caucasians, their kids sleeps at 7pm!  There is even 1 nursery rhyme that said something like no kids up after 8pm etc.  Previuosly, their Godpa from UK was appalled when the kids were still up at 9plus!  At that point in time, I was wondering “what the fuss?”
But I guess my situation calls for it now. Â And I read this book “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child”, it says inside that children’s sleep should NEVER be sacrificed for the ENTERTAINMENT of the parents. Â To keep them up just so that the father can play with them till late is unwise. Â What does the caucasians Daddies do? Â They spent super quality time with the kids over the weekend. Â They fiercely guard their weekend family time.
I think that’s what’s happening now.. unconsciously…
I don’t keep the kids up to see Daddy after work.  I fiercely guard their bedtime.  So unconsciously, Daddy began spending more quality time with the kids over the weekend.  He will plan for the family to do some family stuff together, where previously it was not like that, weekend was boring… Even when he could choose to rest and “snort” at home on weekends afternoon, now he would voluntarily bring Donald out for cycling in Botanical Gardens every weekend, plus a root beer float treat there before coming back.
Previously we will hang out with Oma and Ogu until 10pm on Sunday night, now he will actually tell them that the kids sleeps at 7pm (which is quite true cos Lizzie sleeps at 7pm), so we have to have an early dinner, if not then we meet for lunch instead. Â He also fiercely guards their sleep now!
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Yes, most kids here sleep very early. The children’s channel CBeebies closes at 7 pm with bedtime songs and stories.
Well done for making the changes since sleep is so important for children.
Ryan used to sleep at 9 pm or later, with the exception of weekends but since he started school we have moved his bedtime up to 8 pm as well. (yes, it’s usually ends up being 8:30 pm too!)
Chris’ commute time is about 1 hr so by the time he gets home, it could be about 7 or 8 pm depending on traffic. He usually still gets home in time to brush Ryan’s teeth, help out with storytime and give bedtime kisses. Like your husband, he spends time with the kids during the weekend.
It has worked out well for us too.