Without a word

As we've been moving into a gentler more child independent style of parenting lately we've allowed children to stay up a little later than in the past.

Not having specific school times allows us to have later nights without problems than school kids can. If they are tired and need a nap it can be worked into the day.

A few nights in a row, I've told the children it'll be bed time soon, turned off many house lights except the boys bedroom (Avigail is already asleep in the girls room - kids generally don't go in/play in there when she's asleep) and gone to bed ourselves.

With our bedroom light turned off, most of the house in darkness, children in PJs and ready for bed the children have PUT THEMSELF TO BED!

I'm not kidding you! And I didn't plan for that to happen! It just did. And I'm ever so pleased.

My children PUT THEMSELVES TO BED because (I think) the lights were turned off.