"Don't stress me out Mom..."

sys 6 after the bedtime freak out the other day. "I have trouble going to sleep when I am stressed - and you KNOW I get night terrors!"

Okay.

I know that bedtime has to be consistent. Summer is harder than the school year - activities etc. It seems we don't get settled at home until 9pm. 4 is the energizer bunny. Out of line cashier at Walmart suggested I should dose her with Ritalin the other day! GRRR.

Bedtime is always easier when we follow a schedule. Calm, bath, stories, bed. It works best if I rub their backs for a few minutes before leaving the room. Sometimes I am so desperate for the time to do things that I rush through the routine - anxious to get the laundry on, or the dishes done, or get organized for the next day, that I forget that a few minutes invested then will pay back in more time later.

I know they both have sleep problems - likely a result of their pre-natal experience. I know I can help them quiet. I just don't do it all the time.

Feeling better today though. Sometimes it all feels overwhelming and I don't do the best for any of us. Back together now. The adult in charge again.

My kids know that sometimes Mommy gets frustrated and makes poor choices. It's okay. We're all human.