My Nightly Routine as a Mom

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Want a peek into our daily life? Well, I guess our night life would be a more accurate phrase. Before we had kids, we would stay up into the wee hours playing video games, board games or binge watching tv. Now, that's all done by 9pm and we're heading to bed, just a bit after the kids do. I wanted to share a bit about my nightly routine as a mom, with some help from our sponsor, The American Dental Association.

On nights that we don't have karate or soccer, we are usually finished with dinner by 6pm. Nights that we have an activity, it's closer to 7pm. Balance, it's all about balance. There's a routine, even if it varies a bit from day-to-day.

While one of us is cleaning up dinner, the other parent is starting the bath (if it's bath night) and then working on pjs.

I don't know about you, but in our house, getting the kids to brush their teeth is almost always a fight. Because of Charlie's heart condition, it's extra important for him to have good dental health and continue those habits into adulthood. His cardiologist always stresses this, and we're working to push that reminder in.

We're trying something new in our house. I'm brushing my teeth in the evening at the same time the kids are brushing theirs.

This is great because they'll stand there and brush their teeth as long as I do. Not only am I setting a great example for my kids, but I'm practicing my own self-care. Moms, we must take care of ourselves – oral health included!

The American Dental Association has some general recommendations that apply to everyone (yes, that means you, Mom!):

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth daily (yes, flossing is important!)
• Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks
• See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease

Choose dental products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. I used to think it was just toothpastes that could earn the ADA Seal, but you'll find lots of products on the list including mouthwash, floss, denture adhesive, gum, and toothbrushes!

Of course, better at-home oral health habits lead to better office visits. We take the boys to the dentist religiously, but I have failed when it comes to seeing the dentist regularly as an adult. I just called the dentist and scheduled an appointment for myself. If you need to, take the kids with you to your appointments – it's good for them to see that you go to the dentist too. We must make ourselves a priority!

We're all moms, but our smiles are so unique. That's why it's important that you work with your dentist to create a personalized oral care routine to use at home.

We read books with the kids before bed, or sometimes Charlie will take over that and he'll read a book to Owen. I mean, how sweet is that?!?

I do still like tucking the kids in or checking on them when Dad tucks them in. Of course, that means wading through the disaster that their rooms have become. But, for my own sanity at the end of the night, I have to ignore it.

I have no secret tips for a fantastic bedtime. This is not a post about how to get your kids to bed. Mine run around and hop in and out of each other's beds. We haven't figured it all out or found a magic potion that puts them to sleep, but I go about my routine that I need for self-care and eventually they fall asleep.

And they do look super sweet sleeping! When he's sleeping, he's not my almost 7-year-old, but still my baby.

If I have extra time, I love taking a bath to soak and de-stress. If I don't have time for all that, a simple shower will do to help wash away the day.

Once I settle into bed for the night, I'm working on turning off my screens earlier. We don't have a television in our bedroom, but as someone who runs an online business, it's hard to just shut it off.

I have several books on my night stand and I'm slowly working my way through them. Lately though, I've been reading my Bible study book before bed. It's a good way to wind down in the evening without the bright lights and activity that is constantly on our phones.

My how times have changed, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the American Dental Association.