Getting to Bed As to Arriving

You know, I'm not sure why we don't teach our children that just as we ought not arrive exactly when an event starts (for example, a job...college class...wedding...), we ought not push turning out the light until the last possible second. If bedtime is 8:30 pm, and that has been defined as "in the bed laying down with the light out", then starting to get ready for bed at 8:25 pm is not going to be enough time. Why don't we teach our kids to plan, be prepared, and not make excuses when it comes to bedtime? The skills will serve them well in other areas of life. These little details may seem insignificant, but we humans push the limits if they aren't enforced, and kids learn what standards are acceptable by our behavior. We can exercise grace from time to time, but we either have a standard or we don't; it shan't go back and forth on a parent's whim. If Dad is serious about bedtime, as a rule Mom better be as well-- whether he's home or not. Kids see mixed messages and act accordingly. I've seen this in many areas with children--they reflect their leadership and the standards put forth, whether it be purposeful standards or the omission of them.