At what age did your children go to bed on their own?

[Anonymous]

Around 6.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is 12 and needs to go through a nighttime routine of being tucked in, listening to a sleep meditation, and having a little back rub before bed. This has been the routine since she was 4 and honestly some nights I just don’t want to do it. I want her to feel tired, say goodnight, read a little bit, and go to sleep on her own.

I do it, mind you, but is she not a little old for this?

Tell me that I’ll miss it one day. And if I’m a heartless wench for having these thoughts, tell me and I’ll bottle them up and continue the routine without complaint.

Bedtime story and goodnight kisses for two sons ended at age 10. Goodnight kisses to 12 for daughter.

[Anonymous]

I don’t specifically remember, but somewhere in the early elementary range (K-2) for all three of mine

[Anonymous]

Around 11 yo, when one of my twins resisted the nightly tuck-ins then

[Anonymous]

I still come by to say good night to my teens once they get into bed. Sometimes we reflect on something from the day. Sometimes a hug good night.

They don't "need" it and go without sometimes, but we both enjoy that last hug/connection.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, yeah, I think you're checking out and you may regret it. I'd stop when she's ready, but not because you're bored.

My DD is 12. Unless we're running late (which is about half the time) DH or I read her a chapter of a book and sing the couple songs we've been singing since infancy. He and I alternate nights. If I'm really tired DD and I might both read independently in her room instead of a story.

I figure, she leaves for college in 6 short years. And, not to be morbid, but I leave for work before she wakes up so if I wreck the car that bedtime routine will be the last time I see her. Those are my motivations.

Similar here, my daughter turns 13 this month. Son is 11. They both love to be tucked in. DH and I alternate reading books with them almost every night (then they get some additional alone reading time) and then they ask for a last cuddle/ tuck in before turning off the light.

Sometimes I feel like I don’t want to get out of my own bed for that last tuck in BUT I remember how fleeting this time is. And the big smile on their face when I give them that last hug. And I make sure I savor every bit of it before they don’t want it anymore

(And yes my kids are very happy/ independent/ tons of friends / not clingy. They just love their bedtime routine)