THE SUN IS AWAKE, SO….HOW DO I KEEP THEM ASLEEP?
Confused?
Let me set the scenario. There are three little boys in our home – two of whom make an unholy row about going to bed when it is so light outside. These are then the same two boys who joyously open their eyes at the first ray of sun that tickles their pillow and decide that because the sun is awake [you know the rest but I’m going to say it anyway] like Anna in Frozen, they are awake. Not only that, but apparently we ALL need to be awake.
My beautiful sunlight is a morning curse.
I’ve been looking into blinds for the window since I want to keep the windows as clear as possible for taking photographs – and VELUX have blackout blinds that I’ve had my eye on for quite a while now. I’ve been holding off because I love my light and airy room, and when Our Little Adventurer was born we had a blackout blind that we used to sucker to the windows at night and it was ugly. I had no idea that I could have a white blind! I like that they will reflect the heat in the Summer because with Baby Hero still enjoying naps [and long may that last], I don’t want the Summer sun baking him and making him all uncomfortable.
However, I am slightly worried that a white blackout blind won’t work as well as a black one though, so if anyone has any first hand experience of white blackout blinds before we buy, I’d be very grateful to hear about it! Alternatively, if anyone else has any suggestions for keeping everyone asleep when the morning breaks, I’d also love to hear them!
I like how you phrased that your beautiful morning sunlight is a curse. As a blogger I would love to have more light in my home, my pictures always suffer. I have never had white blinds before so I can't help with that one but I have been able to keep sunlight out a long time ago in a land far far away, much like yours with too much light in the morning. We bought peel and stick black paper that we would place on the windows so we could sleep in because we worked nights and it was hard to get adjusted. It's definitely not the most attractive solution but you can buy clear ones that promise to do the same at any hardware store. I am interested to see what others suggest.
I have a light colored blackout curtain on the window next to my desk and it works fairly well at keeping the light out. I'm not sure if it's the same as having blinds though.
Oh I know exactly what you mean! Where I live it doesn't get dark until around 9 and my kids are always fighting to stay away because they associate nighttime with bedtime. I am in the same predicament as you, I blacked out the windows with curtains but I am now missing that beautiful sunlight during the day!
I don't know about the blinds. I hope you get your answers though. The light in that picture there is awesome.
I don't know what I would do without blackout blinds. Especially now that the days are getting longer, it is so hard to keep my guys snoozing. I'm glad for the sunshine, but sometimes it just back fires on this tired mama!
Amanda
http://www.queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com
I always had a problem with this myself when the kids were smaller. They went to bed so early so they were up early. I hope you find a good routine.
We bought a house that has the Velux blinds and I love them. Unfortunately, they are not in the room that needs it the most–my sons room. He is up at the crack of dawn every morning. Trying to get him to nap when it is full on sun in his room is nearly impossible. I will have to invest in them for his room too, I am guessing.
oh black out shades bring them on even if they give you just another half hour!! it would be worth it –the sunshine curse for sure–we have the same "discussions" here–why do i have to go to bed with its still light out –cuz I said so!! LOL
Ha, I have been there so I am giggling reading your post. However, I am envious of how much sunlight you have in your room, that's beautiful!
so beautiful kids. Lovely. Nice room too. I really like your blog and also your cute little family. wonderful
Hats off to you with three angels. Blackout curtains are a must. We use Hunter Douglas for my 22 month old and they are layered so that even when it is bright out, room is pitch black. When we bought this home, I requested baby's room to be custom made, it was a little more but worth it.
Good idea to keep them asleep as long as possible LOL. These blackout blinds sound amazing, as a dark room is so important to good sleep!
We have used white blackout material in the past and it does work really well. I tell our boys that the reason they're going to bed when it's light it because it's so light it's nearly morning… I'm not sure how much longer they'll believe me for!
I hate putting my kids to bed when it is light outside. I never did before (and they slept in through the morning light), but now my son is in school and has to get up at 6AM, so going to bed at 9pm isn't good for him. I can't wait until summer when we can stay up late and sleep in late! I have white plantation blinds (I think that's what they're called?) and they work fine. I also have dark curtains up, though