Bedtime Bad Habits

Scratch my last post, okay not really.

Due to a severe lack of chocolate, I have developed a bad habit over the last week. I have such a difficult time with bedtime, especially with one little boy who will remain nameless... okay, let's just call him Screaming Monkey Boy. Actually there are two others, we'll call them... Whiney Wahini and Busybelle, who also have their bedtime meltdowns. Anyway, the bad habit I have developed (besides giving my kids silly nicknames) is that I base my children's behavior over the whole day, and my success as a parent, on these nightmarish bedtime moments. After the evening dust settles, and tears have dried, either wiped by mother or crusted to their cheeks, I wonder where I went wrong. I NEED the happy musings! The habit I am trying to implement is my evening ritual is to go though all the positive things that happened throughout the day. Two points for good or at least entertaining behavior, one negative point for not so good. Like when Isaac climbed into my lap this morning and snuggled up close saying, "Isaac a teddy bear", and when I asked him what mommy was he replied, "mommy a lollipop", and proceeded to lick my cheek. And when Sophia saved Isabelle from falling off the bench at the kitchen table for the 11th time today, or when she cleaned up her muddy footprints after being asked only once. And when Isabelle played quietly by herself for at least 15 minutes, and gave Isaac hugs and kisses even after he tortured her by repeatedly putting a laundry basket on her head. Actually, I got lots of hugs and kisses myself today, and that's got to count for something! Right now they are sleeping soundly, and I only have a small pile of dishes in the sink. A pretty decent day I would say!