Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Original poster

"Checking in" with the kids before I go to sleep.

195 replies

gemloving · 16/02/2023 22:16

I don't even know if this is unusual but I just went upstairs to get ready for bed but I check on the kids every time before I go to sleep. It's become such an embedded routine that I find it hard to settle if I didn't or if I forgot, I'd lie there, get up and check on them, then I can go to sleep peacefully as if I know everything is ok.

My eldest gets a couple of kisses and I tell him I love him, youngest gets a stroke over his head and me telling him I love him (he's still in a cot, otherwise he'd get a kiss too). They're 4 & 1 (almost 2).

Do other parents do this or is this just me?

OP posts:

oneuponedown · 16/02/2023 22:18

My mum still does this if I stay at her house and I'm in my thirties!

I don't go into dc room because I have a camera still but I check that before I go to sleep and zoom right in to check breathing. If I don't or if I can't see clearly I can't settle.

MrsALambert · 16/02/2023 22:20

Im exactly the same. Can’t sleep if I’ve not been in. Mine are 6 and 3

Original poster

gemloving · 16/02/2023 22:20

@oneuponedown I'll probably be like your mum, I'll end up tucking in the girlfriend (joking!) x

We actually stopped using a camera with the eldest. If there is an issue, he'll just walk into our room. Youngest still has a camera x

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Babies & sleep Children's sleep Families

Reindear · 16/02/2023 22:21

I check on mine and my oldest is 10

Original poster

gemloving · 16/02/2023 22:21

@MrsALambert & they're so peaceful when they sleep (my boys are so energetic in the day). It's nice to read someone else does the same x

OP posts:

knittingaddict · 16/02/2023 22:21

Nooo. Asleep and quiet, I leave well alone. I would be too worried about waking them up.

Canigoonroblox · 16/02/2023 22:21

I do this! I just got into bed to read and had a wee look in the door at my 9 year old. 13 year old still awake. When they were wee I had to get up if I hadn’t checked their covers were on etc and they were ok. Now it makes me smile and feel everyone’s safe.

stackhead · 16/02/2023 22:21

Always. I can't sleep properly if I haven't been in to tuck DD in and brush her hair away from her face.

One of my favourtie parts of the day and I hope I'm still doing it even when she goes to bed later than me! 🤣

Youraccountisnolongervalid · 16/02/2023 22:22

Nope because my eldest was a terrible sleeper when he was younger so there was no way I would disturb him (and I would see him at least twice through the night) and I share the bedroom with my youngest, he’s asleep in his cotbed now next to my bed 😁 I remember my mother used to look in on me before bed though.

tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 16/02/2023 22:22

Yup. Mine is 14 and I still stop in on way to my room, drape blanket over her, kiss her snoring head and whisper I love her.

It's especially lovely and helps reset things when she's perhaps gone to bed after a teenage row or drama.

Too many parents have had moments like these snatched away from them recently so enjoy it while you can.

2crossedout1 · 16/02/2023 22:22

I don't but DH does.

Sparklynewname · 16/02/2023 22:23

I still check mine and he’s 19 and she’s 21 with a 21 yr old boyfriend staying too when they are back from uni!

89ghud · 16/02/2023 22:23

Still do this with my 12 and 9 year old, although admittedly it's less about checking for breathing and more for checking all the tech/lights are switched off!

merlotlover · 16/02/2023 22:23

I think mine were about 10 when I stopped, I loved seeing their squashed faces flat out
Only stopped cos they got older and I'd probs wake them up

Original poster

gemloving · 16/02/2023 22:24

Ahhh reading so many checking in stories even when kids are older is so nice! I do think I will always check in (even if they might be up longer than me) x

OP posts:

Copperoliverbear · 16/02/2023 22:24

I still say good nite to mine. X

listsandbudgets · 16/02/2023 22:24

I still do this for DD (17) and DS (10)

WinterFoxes · 16/02/2023 22:24

I do this and have done every night since they were born. Mine are at uni now so I only get to do it when they are home! I'd think it abnormal not to!

Chibbin · 16/02/2023 22:25

Always check in on my 19 yo ...

Pearfacebananapoop · 16/02/2023 22:25

I do it. DH thinks I'm mad.

SummerSazz · 16/02/2023 22:25

Yup. Every night (16 & 14)

Although sometimes I go to bed before them so they come and check in on me 😂

Original poster

gemloving · 16/02/2023 22:25

@89ghud that's fair. I don't actually check if they're breathing. Luckily my anxiety doesn't go that far, it did when they were newborns until about 6 months but all good now.

OP posts:

Chibbin · 16/02/2023 22:26

... I hasten to add, only if partner isn't staying over !!!

jellybe · 16/02/2023 22:26

I check on the younger two, mainly so I can remove toys/ books from their beds so they actually sleep in their beds rather than on top of said toys/ books. With eldest who is a teen I don't anymore mainly because they are still awake when I come up and me sticking my head in just disturbs them if the have settled down with their book.

Original poster

gemloving · 16/02/2023 22:26

@Pearfacebananapoop clearly not mad, a lot of us seem to be doing it x

OP posts:

Flip

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Swipe left for the next trending thread