How long does it take you to get two kids off to bed???

[FuegosArtificiales]

It takes me almost an hour. 57 minutes tonight. I timed it.

At 7 on the dot every night I start hustling them both upstairs, then lassoo them to the ground and put on their pjs, chase around after them while they try to go back downstairs, I yell at them a bit, threaten them a bit, supervise teeth-brushing.

Then one story for the eldest and another different story for the youngest (different sexes and 2 years apart). Then I have to lie beside each of them for a minute, which turns into about five minutes. When I try to go they grab me by the neck and won't let go.. Then one needs a tissue, or a wee, or a cuddle, or a toy which is downstairs.. Finally, finally, finally I get downstairs and look at the clock and see that the process has taken an hour. There just seems to be no way around it. An hour to get two children into bed. And they're not bad kids. But as I'm on my own, that's every single night...

I'm going to pour myself a large glass of vino now.

i will just add though that this is the Sunday to Thursday routine cos we are up for school and nursery. Friday night is DVD night. boys get to pick a DVD each to watch but are so knackered that they only ever see ten minutes of the first film (sneaky mum i know)

also am i being obsessive bathing the boys every night?

Varies. About an hour once we've finished chatting and mucking about. Three stories - one for each child. Then some songs. I love the sound of my own voice so I sit up there singing away for hours long after they are fast asleep while Dh is downstairs gazing hopelessly into the fire and dreaming of our lost youth.

School nights take a bit over an hour. That includes showers, teethbrushing and about 20min booktime each for two children. And tucking DD in about four times...

sounds about right but I start the whole process an hour earlier to get dd into bed for 7pm so that I can collapse in heap in front of The One Show!!!

it's a bit staggered iun this house.

ds just turned 4 dd almost 3.

bath at 5.45pm so they can watch simpsons and having supper.

7pm sent to bed. no option. take all bedtime dogs with them.

if they aren't tired. TOUGH.. look at pictures read yourself a book in bed.

but as long as no one has sneaked in a fly nap throughout day they are usually snoring by 7.15pm.

dd is worst for this. she will often sneak off when your not paying attention and be out for the count on sofa/with pillow.. she can go from upright running about playing to dead to the world in the blink of an eye through the day.... and dont even think about waking her. she's crabbit as sin for the rest of the day unless she wakes from afternoon nap of her own accord.

i've seen me lift her from sofa. carry her to school. get ds and carry her back while still sound asleep hoisted over my shoulder

if they want me to read any books they must be requested between 6-7pm.