Up until the moment before our son was born, everyone told me the same thing about being a new parent: “get lots of sleep now, you will need it.” As they gave me this advice, I am sure most of them realized that there is not a sleep bank – where I can log all of my extra hours of sleep pre-baby only to use them on a need basis after the baby. Wishful thinking!
Consequently, one significant piece of advice that someone told me, that is worth sharing as my wife and I have followed it religiously since having Jake over 8 months ago, is this: On the weekends, you and your wife should take one day each, as your day to sleep as late as you want. For us, Saturday morning is my day – I sleep as late as I can, about 9:30am these days (I miss the days when I would be able to sleep til noon!), which sure beats our son’s wake up time of 6:30am. I really feel refreshed and energized and it gives me a boost for the next few days. My wife loves Saturday mornings when I sleep late! She loves this special bonding time with Jake after all the time she missed with him during the week when she is at work. Sunday, my wife usually sleeps late until 11am, so she is very happy. I enjoy Sunday mornings as well. I usually make plans to take Jake, and meet up with some dads for breakfast and playtime. Win-Win for both of us – or really all 3 of us!
Yes, sometimes we have early plans and we have to juggle and compromise, but most of the time this schedule works well for all of us. Talk about this unusual option with your wife & give it a try. Let me know how it goes!
you know, as simple as this seems, john and i haven’t committed to a day. we struggle weekend mornings to decide who will be sleeping in and really, we should just set a day for each. the extra hours help so much. -stephanie h.