The bedtime routine

Bedtime, a prelude to a special night for children who wet the bed.

I admit that with six children in the house, bedtime tends to resemble a circus. I still try to spend time with each child before tucking them in, because I know we will always cherish these routines and special evening moments. I start the bedtime ritual well before my children go to sleep. I try to give them enough time to eat a snack, take a bath, brush their teeth, and put on their pajamas. We begin after dinner, trying to keep things calm.

When the children start running around the house like monkeys, I put on a video, get out a board game, or read them a few books. The younger ones love to cuddle with me on the sofa while I read their favorite books over and over again. Then it's bath time. My husband has recently taken over this task, which is wonderful, not only because it gives me a break, but also because it gives him time to bond with the little ones. It's another opportunity for the children to relax before bedtime. (Let's forget the times their father riles them up until they splash everywhere and lose their heads.)

Then it's time for pajamas. I remember using absorbent nighttime training pants to help my son manage his bedwetting when he was younger. We always kept a pack of them in his wardrobe so he'd remember to put a pair on when getting into his pajamas. The pants absorbed all the moisture perfectly, so he woke up dry and embarrassed. That way, we didn't have to change the sheets in the middle of the night.

Ultimately, each of my children has their own special bedtime ritual. Clay always kisses me on the right cheek and eye. I don't know why, but he does this every night before falling asleep. Brooklyn has to cling to my arm until she drifts off. Lexi loves to be tickled, and she squirms and giggles for a few minutes before settling down for sleep. Jackson wouldn't admit it, but he likes to give me a big hug before going to bed for the evening. And finally, Austin and Savannah give me a quick kiss before going to sleep.