When did you get to that "ooh the kids are in bed are I can crack open the wine" stage?

[LiltTime]

I have an 8 month old DD and she now has a fairly predictable bedtime but we are still on quite unpredictable nights and very early wakings.

I was just reading another thread where a few posters commented how once the kids are in bed they're looking forward to Strictly and wine and to be honest that sounds like heaven to me. At this stage though I never feel I can switch off once she's in bed as she could be awake an hour or so later needing resettling etc.

At what stage do you get to the point where you can relax once they're in bed? I know they're all different but when did it happen for you, (if ever!)

Same here AnnaMaria! Cheers

Not sure exactly but some point after turning 1 mine stopped waking/crying in the evening and I could relax and stay downstairs.

I've been blessed with good sleepers, so it was definitely before a year. I won't drink if I'm on my own with them though, in case I need to drive them to hospital or something!

Probably when mine was 4 years old ish, he always needed me in the evenings/through the night. I don't call him a 'bad sleeper' - he isn't - he just needs his mum. But now I have another so let's just assume I'm never getting any peace in the evenings for a good few years at least 👍 Neither of them want a bottle, dummy, teddy, comforter etc. just mummy, so that's the way it is. The days/nights are long but the years are short. They don't stay little for long 😊

This is weird reading for me, DS is 2 and I have never really drank with him in the house. I only tend to have a drink if he's over my mums.

I'm pregnant now so won't be drinking for a while anyway.

It’s only a passing phase, I wouldn’t get too excited TBH, as soon enough they are staying up into the evening and then before you know it they go to bed after you!

Just have the wine and put what you want on the telly.

I might have had one glass at 18 months ish (when breastfeeding was finished) but no more than that, as they were still capable of waking 😭

Otherwise, age 3 or so, when they could be put to bed and reliably sleep all night 🤞

About 14 years ago, they’ll be 16 in December

Not when they were babies. But toddler stage mine were good sleepers and once they were in bed that was it

From about 7 months I would say - he was in his own bed but he fell asleep downstairs with us and then went up. So he probably went to bed about 9. 7 bedtime didn’t kick in till about 10 months old so would say around then.

Been very lucky in not having an up in the night kid but I’ve had a not going to bed kid as he’s got older!!

9 weeks thanks to Gina Ford. Bought book when DC1 was 8 weeks old.

Yet Mumsnet hates her. No idea why

I hate her because she stressed me out. My son didn’t do as she said he should and I honestly wish I could rewind and not feel so stressed and upset about it and just enjoy him a bit more.