Bed time for Kids

Back in India it is very common for kids to go to bed at the same time as parents and can be anywhere between 9-11pm. When Ronen was born he didn't have any set pattern waking up as he pleased, having a nap when he felt like (or when I felt like). Even when we came to Australia we were still living in India time. Ronen and I would go for walks at around 6.30pm and I found it a bit weird that there were no children in the park at that time. 

It took me almost a year to figure out that things need to change. Even though I was not working we put Ronen into daycare 2 days a week. This helped him get some social exposure and gave me some free time too. He loved going to daycare. (Daycare also helps in building up kids immune system). Once back from daycare Ronen would be hyperactive as he would have had his 1.5 - 2 hr nap there in the afternoon and he wouldn't hit bed till about 10.30. That is when I realised I had to shift him to Aussie way of living for his and my peace of mind. 

First step was to cut off the afternoon nap (Ronen's nap time was cut at 1.5 years) and keep him busy through the day. The days that Ronen was home with me were planned out in a way that there was always something for us to do in the mornings. We would have our playgroup or library or swimming or playground. Lunch would be around 12 followed by afternoon tea at around 2.30pm, Bath at 4.30 - 5pm followed by dinner and then bedtime at 6.45 - 7pm. 

We also have made it a habit to read in bed before sleep and it is a habit till today. Ronen wont sleep without a story (though the book has been replaced by youtube on certain days now). 

We still havent been able to make the change with our dinner time but it gives me PLENTY of time to myself before I hit the bed. That is also a time in which I dont have to do anything as dinner is ready, kid is in bed, R is at work and I am the queen of the castle. It feels good even to wake up early and start the day.

My advise to all desi mums is to make this change as early as you can and you will have a much happier and stress free time for yourself.