When Emily Boazman pressed “record” on her phone one evening, she had no idea she would ignite a viral sensation online. In a now-famous Instagram post that has garnered 8.7 million views, viewers see her youngest child throwing a tantrum on the kitchen floor while the older siblings whip up scrambled eggs for dinner at 9:30 p.m. By 11 p.m., Emily is using heatless rollers to style her daughters’ hair, and by midnight, all three kids snuggle up in her bed to sleep.
The video has been viewed countless times, sparking discussion among parents about one critical question: Is this “night owl” routine a harmless form of flexibility, or is it chaos disguised as free-spiritedness?
Why this routine shocked parents
The majority of users commenting on the post mentioned that their children are tucked in well before 9 p.m. Emily’s late-night routine—including cooking, hair styling, and a shared midnight bedtime—seemed unbelievable to them.
However, Emily emphasizes an important point: her children are homeschooled. As a result, they wake up later in the mornings, allowing them to meet the recommended 9–12 hours of sleep each night.
Related: Eye-opening viral video shows difference between effective and ineffective ways to handle bedtime
What experts say about irregular sleep schedules
Pediatric sleep specialists concur that children require both sufficient and quality sleep, and the importance of consistency cannot be overstated. A study published in Infant Behavior and Development revealed that children with erratic bedtimes experienced more behavioral issues than those with consistent routines.
Timing is also crucial. Children’s circadian rhythms evolve as they age: melatonin production typically begins around 7:30 p.m. in toddlers and shifts to approximately 8:40 p.m. by ages 9–10. Regular cues—such as dimming lights, engaging in quiet activities, and brushing teeth—guide their bodies to recognize when it’s time for sleep.
A substantial study published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine indicated that homeschool students averaged about 49 minutes more sleep per night on school days compared to their peers in public and private schools, largely due to their later start times. The researchers concluded that while later start times can enhance sleep duration, children still benefit from a structured bedtime routine to anchor their sleep, regardless of when they go to bed.
Related: I don’t have the ‘perfect’ bedtime for my kid
Instagram weighs in: Chaos or culture?
The comments on Emily’s post highlight the divide among parents. Many expressed anxiety regarding the late-night schedule:
Edona_roddy: “….this is YOUR schedule. Not your children’s. Children need appropriate feedings and bedtimes to rest and develop. Let alone digest food at 9 p.m. willingly and then go lay down.”
_everlizaaa: “This is so chaotic. Immediately no.”
_alyssa_nicole_w: “As a night owl myself, I can’t picture normalizing this for my children. I want them to have a standard sleep schedule and healthy circadian rhythm.”
Conversely, others praised Emily’s approach and cultural perspective:
Briannaleighrn: “I saw in the comments that you homeschool so they sleep in. Most of the commenters assume they wake up early like the majority of kids to reach school on time. Many cultures worldwide stay up late. If your kids are healthy, happy, growing, and getting adequate sleep at night, you’re good.”
This blend of concern and understanding highlights a fundamental truth: there isn’t a universal bedtime that fits all, but there are optimal practices that every family can adapt.
Related: Mom checks on toddler at bedtime—and is stunned to see what’s snuggled up next to her
How to balance flexibility with consistency
Experts suggest that you don’t need to be overly strict to encourage healthy sleep habits. Small adjustments can improve any schedule for kids:
- Maintain a predictable wind-down routine. Whether it’s at 8 p.m. or 11 p.m., familiar actions—like brushing teeth, reading a story, and dimming lights—signal to children that it’s time to rest.
- Focus on total sleep hours rather than strictly adhering to the clock. Homeschooling or shift-working parents may naturally have later bedtimes, but the key is ensuring children receive ample rest.
- Encourage calm, not chaos. While late-night hair styling can be entertaining, overstimulation may hinder melatonin release and make it tougher for kids to settle down.
The takeaway: Customizing routines while ensuring rest
Emily’s video resonated with many parents, prompting reflections on their own evening routines. Some recognized a familiar scene in their lives, while others perceived potential issues. Both responses illustrate the significance of bedtime routines—not only as logistic challenges but also as daily rituals that can shape children’s health and family bonds.
Flexibility can be healthy when aligned with your family’s lifestyle. However, regardless of when you put your children to bed, establishing consistency, maintaining calm, and ensuring sufficient sleep serve as essential foundations for nurturing children’s growth.
