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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

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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.

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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

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