During those days, we establish a special routine: we have dinner together, I read him a story, and I put him to bed at the same time. This routine gives him peace and allows him to rest well to face a new day full of games and learning. However, during the workweek, my schedule changes, and I get home late, which alters this valuable habit. I have noticed that when he goes to bed later, he wakes up irritable and with less energy in the morning, which breaks my heart.
I feel so guilty that my job is interfering with his well-being, but I don’t know how to fix it. Have any of you gone through this? How do you manage to keep a stable bedtime routine when your schedule isn’t always predictable?
I totally get your struggle. It feels like we work so hard just to have it undone in one weekend! But here’s the thing, kids are resilient. A couple of days of treats won’t undo a lifetime of good habits. My approach has been to let my daughter enjoy family time but keep reinforcing why we eat healthy at home. I also set some rules, like one treat per day, and make sure we talk about balance. You’re doing a great job!
Oh wow, this hits so close to home. I work late shifts a few times a week, and I swear my toddler’s sleep gets completely thrown off every single time. It’s like I spend the whole weekend getting him back on track, only to mess it up again once Monday rolls around. The guilt is so real, and I feel like I’m failing at consistency. I don’t have a perfect solution, but what has helped a little is FaceTiming him before bed when I can’t be there and keeping at least one small element of the routine (like the same lullaby or bedtime story, even if I’m not the one reading it). But honestly, some weeks are just rough, and I have to remind myself that he’s loved, and that’s what matters most. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. 
I know it’s frustrating now, but try not to be too hard on yourself! Sleep disruptions happen, and even though kids thrive on routine, they’re also super adaptable. Your son knows you love him, and even if the routine isn’t perfect every night, he’ll adjust. Maybe try a shorter, simplified version of your routine on busy nights, like a quick cuddle and a song, so he still has that sense of connection. Over time, he’ll get used to it, and it won’t throw things off so much. Hang in there, mama!
My work schedule is all over the place, and I hate how it messes with bedtime. Some nights I get home after my little one is already asleep, and I feel like I missed out on everything. But on the nights I do make it, it’s later than I’d like, and then I have to deal with a cranky kid in the morning.
One thing I’ve been struggling with is whether I should push bedtime a little later permanently, so at least I get to be part of the routine more consistently, or if I should just accept that some nights will be different. Have you considered something like that? I go back and forth because I don’t want to sacrifice sleep, but I also hate missing those moments. Would love to hear what’s working for others!
the mom guilt is so real. I hate when I can’t be there for bedtime, even though I know it’s out of my control. It’s so frustrating because I just want to be able to do it all, work, parenting, keeping a solid routine, but something always ends up slipping through the cracks. Just know you’re not alone in this, and honestly, some weeks are just survival mode. You’re doing your best, and that’s all any of us can do.