Ask Margaret - How Should I Enforce Bedtime?
Bedtime can be smooth sailing or a waking nightmare, depending on the day. If you've ever experienced "bedtime creep" you will identify with this question for our Facebook group:\nHow do you enforce bedtime? We have unwittingly slipped from 8pm to 9, 9:25 even, 9:45 pm. My 4-year-old often sees 10 pm! My 2-year-old had such an easy 8 pm bedtime until a few months ago. Now there are two tiny tots running my kitchen til well after when I want to be asleep myself (did I mention I am six months pregnant with number three?). Most nights I give up and leave my husband to fend for himself. Even so, when he gives up on the 4-year-old, she usually joins me in bed. I never see my husband anymore, and I'm completely tapped out by 4 pm since I know there is literally no end in sight. Do I just lock them in their respective rooms and let them cry until they throw up? I am seriously so over this!\xa0\nIn this episode Margaret advises:\n\nSet a time you want to hear from your kids for the last time and work backwards\n\nEstablish the "three asks" rule\n\nBlank-face everything that happens after the three asks\n\n\nNot knowing when bedtime is coming is too tough on everyone but never fear - if you go back to one and re-set bedtime with consistent effort for a week you should be back to a regular bedtime in no time and it will be worth the effort!\nSpecial thanks to this month\u2019s sponsors: \nBeam\u2019s Dream Powder is their sleep-promoting healthy hot cocoa. 99% of people experience better sleep quality when taking Beam Dream! Get\xa0$20 off at\xa0beamorganics.com/fresh with the code FRESH.\nDaily Harvest\xa0delivers delicious harvest bowls, flatbreads, smoothies, and more, all built on organic fruits and vegetables. Go to\xa0dailyharvest.com/laughing\xa0to get up to $40 off your first box!\nFirstleaf\xa0is a wine club that curates and ships wines that are personalized to your tastes! Get 6 bottles of wine for $29.95, plus free shipping, at\xa0tryfirstleaf.com/laughing.\nHome.Made.Podcast\xa0is a terrific new podcast offering stories about the meaning of home in America. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!\nKiwiCo\xa0projects make science, technology, engineering, art, and math super fun. Get 30% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code\xa0MOTHERHOOD.\nLadder\xa0helps you find life insurance without the hassle! Answer a few questions online to apply for up to $3 million in term life insurance coverage. Go to\xa0ladderlife.com/laughing\xa0today to see if you\u2019re instantly approved.\nMathnasium\xa0is the place for online and in-person math education\u2013 whether your kids are a little behind, or need to be further challenged. Get your free consultation at\xa0mathnasium.com.\nNative products keep you feeling and smelling fresh. Get 20% off your first order by going to\xa0nativedeo.com/fresh\xa0or by using the promo code\xa0FRESH.\nParade\xa0underwear and loungewear are sustainable, size-inclusive, comfortable and fantastic! Go to\xa0yourparade.com/laughing\xa0and use the code LAUGHING for 20% off your first order.\nPeloton\xa0has a workout for every goal, day, and mood: everything from boxing and dance cardio to yoga and meditation. Visit\xa0onepeloton.com\xa0to learn more.\nProse\xa0now makes supplements personally tailored to address your specific cause of hair shedding. Get your free in-depth consultation and 15% off your custom hair supplements at\xa0prose.com/laughing.\nRenzo\u2019s Vitamins\xa0\u201cmelty vitamins\u201d taste great and give your kids the vitamins they need- without all the sugar of gummies! Go to\xa0renzosmagic.com\xa0and use the code FRESH to get $5 off.\nStoryWorth\xa0is an online service that helps you and your loved ones connect through sharing stories and memories and preserves them for years to come. Save $10 off your first purchase at storyworth.com/whatfreshhell.\nThrive Causemetics\xa0beauty and skin care products have clean, skin-loving ingredients\u2013 and are truly high-performance. Get 15% off your first order at\xa0thrivecausemetics.com/WHATFRESHHELL\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices