When Daddy Does Bedtime

It’s perhaps 30 of the best spent minutes in our house each day.

It’s one of my favorite things my husband does.

It’s one of the best gifts our boys receive.

It’s needful, it’s so important, and it’s downright beautiful…

…when Daddy does bedtime.

What It Looks Like

Bedtime is a consistent routine at our house.

At 8:00 every night three little boys are putting on pjs, brushing teeth, grabbing that last sip (or three) of water, and giving many hugs and kisses. Then, last but not least, they race down the hallway to exhibit their incomprehensible speed and see who makes into bed first.

My favorite thing about this time of day is that it’s me they’re showering with hugs and kisses… “Good night, mommy! Love you, mom!” I hear echoing down the hall as they race for bed.

Why is it all for me?

Well, it’s because they know that their daddy is going to be following them down the hall with a hymnal and Bible story book in hand.

An exercise ball that get’s kicked and bounced around all day now rests quietly against their bedroom wall… a convenient seat for Daddy as the boys jump into bed and under covers, waiting to begin.

They know the routine well:

Prayer

First Daddy, then Ryan, then Elijah, then Liam. Each with a prayer. Some prayers differ each night… while some are exactly the same. All beautiful in their own way.

A Story

Depending on the season, sometimes it’s a Bible story, sometimes it’s catechism, sometimes it’s a scripture verse. Sometimes it’s simply the reading, but sometimes questions follow and surprisingly deep discussions ensue.

A Song

Each boy gets a turn choosing a hymn each night. Hearing my three year old call out his favorite hymn ( “Jesus Pai’ I’ All”) is about the cutest thing I’ve ever heard in my life.

Doxology

Sometimes we get home late. Sometimes bedtime routine is rushed. Still, I can hardly remember a night where I haven’t heard the Doxology sung loudly and adorably off key, officially bringing the night to a close.

Then follows the final chorus of: “Goodnight, Dad! I love you, Dad! See you in the morning Dad! Goodnight, Daaaaaad!”

Every night, the routine is the same… and I love it.

Why It Matters

There are so many reasons that I love this nightly routine. I’m not exaggerating to say it’s literally one of the things I love most that my husband does on a daily basis.

He Needs It

My husband is usually gone anywhere from 9-12 hours each day. He sees the boys for about 15 minutes each morning before he heads off to work, and his time with them in the evening varies depending on when he gets off, what needs done and whether or not we have plans.

But every night he knows he has those special moments with his boys. Those precious, (mostly quiet) moments where he can give them his undivided attention. Even if he’s hardly seen them that day, he knows he’s pouring into them for at least those few minutes every night. Teaching them, singing with them, cuddling and tickling them. For a little piece of every night he has his boys all to himself and he uses that time so beautifully.

They Need It

The boys need this for all the same reasons their dad does. Honestly, they don’t even realize how blessed they are that he takes the time every night just to be with them, share Christ with them, hear their stories and answer their questions.

I know it doesn’t work into everyone’s schedules and not every family looks the same. I’m simply grateful that my boys have the blessing of spending that time with their dad each night before they drop off to sleep.

And truth be told…

I Need It

If I can be real with you for a moment… I need this so desperately. I stay home with my boys all day, every day and I love it. We spend every moment together and have great conversations and teaching moments all throughout the day.

But truth be told, by 8:00 at night, I’m shot. I often don’t feel like I have much to give when I’ve been up and running with them since 6:45 that morning.

The few nights when Derek isn’t home proves to me why it’s so much better for him to do bedtime than for me to do it. I don’t spend half the time or possess half the patience he does. Naturally, when he’s been away from the house all day, he’s got a little more to give to them each night than I do. And I’m very thankful.

I know God would give me the strength to take that back up if I ever have to, but I can’t express how loved I feel, and how relieved I am when Daddy does bedtime. It’s a blessing to me as well as to them.

Wrapping Up

I know the current culture likes to claim that women don’t need husbands and children don’t need fathers.

I just wanted to share one story of a million as to why I believe that to be a complete and total falsehood.

That kind of special time won’t look the same for everyone.

But in our house, I fully believe that some of the best spent moments of the day… are when Daddy does bedtime.