Are you doing this unconventional nighttime routine? Stay-at-home mum’s practices has everyone talking
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When it comes to raising kids, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—every family has their own quirks, routines, and rhythms.
But every now and then, a parenting style pops up that leaves the rest of us scratching our heads, clutching our pearls, or, at the very least, raising an eyebrow over our morning cuppa.
That’s exactly what happened when Emily Boazman, a stay-at-home mum and self-confessed night owl, shared her family’s unconventional bedtime routine online.
Instead of the classic early bath and lights-out by 7:30pm, Emily’s three homeschooled children—aged 9, 7, and 3—are just getting started when most Aussie kids are tucked up in bed.
In the Boazman household, dinner can be as late as 9:30pm, and bedtime stories don’t even begin until close to midnight!
According to Emily, this late-night lifestyle is all about family time. Her husband, a district attorney, often doesn’t get home until after 8pm, so the family’s nightly wind-down doesn’t start until he walks through the door.
Their routine includes an evening stroll, cooking and eating dinner together, cleaning up, prepping hair for the next day, bath time, and finally, bedtime—usually well after midnight.
If you’re thinking, 'I’d be a zombie by then!' you’re not alone. Emily’s viral video, complete with time stamps, sparked a fierce debate online. Some viewers were horrified:
- 'OMG, I would die if we were making food at 9pm. I’m thinking about bed at that time.'
- 'This is chaotic. I can’t imagine growing up in this chaos.'
- 'This is my worst nightmare.'
But not everyone was appalled. In fact, plenty of parents chimed in to say they do something similar, especially those who homeschool or have flexible schedules.
- 'Thank God there are other families that don’t make their kids go to bed at 7 and have a day routine. I’m winging this thing called motherhood & life.'
- 'We do something similar! In bed by midnight. It’s amazing because early mornings are the woooorst.'
- 'Why I homeschool…we get to decide our schedule and our lifestyle. We are night owls too.'
Emily insists her kids are thriving, waking up around 10:30am and, after a few nudges, are 'perfect for the rest of the day.' She says the routine works for their family, and that’s what matters most.
But this isn’t the only eyebrow-raising parenting style making waves. Another mum, Jeri-Leah, has gone viral for her 'no rules' approach. She doesn’t expect her four kids to do chores or take on any responsibilities.
Source: @emilyboazman / Tiktok.
'You don’t have to tidy, I will do that. I don’t mind. I’ll put your clothes away, I’ll wash your clothes. That’s my job, I’m your mum; I’m gonna mother you; let me smother you,' she explained in her own controversial video.
These stories have reignited the age-old debate: Is there a 'right' way to parent? Should kids have strict routines, or is it okay to let them stay up late and sleep in? Should children be given chores, or is it fine for parents to do everything for them?
Experts generally agree that routines and boundaries help children feel secure and develop good habits.
The Australian Parenting Website, Raising Children Network, recommends consistent bedtimes for young children, noting that sleep is crucial for their development, mood, and learning.
Most school-aged kids need 9–11 hours of sleep per night, and late bedtimes can sometimes interfere with their natural sleep cycles.
However, every family is different. Homeschooling, shift work, and cultural traditions can all influence what works best. The key, say many child psychologists, is ensuring kids get enough sleep overall, have time for play and learning, and feel loved and supported.
Read more: Are you making this fast food mistake? The simple etiquette trick all Aussies swear by
Did you have a strict bedtime routine for your kids? Do you think these modern approaches are a recipe for chaos, or just a sign of the times? And what about chores—should kids be expected to help out, or is it okay for parents to do it all? Share your stories, opinions, and advice in the comments below!
But every now and then, a parenting style pops up that leaves the rest of us scratching our heads, clutching our pearls, or, at the very least, raising an eyebrow over our morning cuppa.
That’s exactly what happened when Emily Boazman, a stay-at-home mum and self-confessed night owl, shared her family’s unconventional bedtime routine online.
Instead of the classic early bath and lights-out by 7:30pm, Emily’s three homeschooled children—aged 9, 7, and 3—are just getting started when most Aussie kids are tucked up in bed.
In the Boazman household, dinner can be as late as 9:30pm, and bedtime stories don’t even begin until close to midnight!
According to Emily, this late-night lifestyle is all about family time. Her husband, a district attorney, often doesn’t get home until after 8pm, so the family’s nightly wind-down doesn’t start until he walks through the door.
A stay-at-home mum’s unconventional night-time routine, where her kids go to bed after midnight and wake up at 10:30am, has sparked fierce debate online. Image source: @emilyboazman / Tiktok.
Their routine includes an evening stroll, cooking and eating dinner together, cleaning up, prepping hair for the next day, bath time, and finally, bedtime—usually well after midnight.
If you’re thinking, 'I’d be a zombie by then!' you’re not alone. Emily’s viral video, complete with time stamps, sparked a fierce debate online. Some viewers were horrified:
- 'OMG, I would die if we were making food at 9pm. I’m thinking about bed at that time.'
- 'This is chaotic. I can’t imagine growing up in this chaos.'
- 'This is my worst nightmare.'
But not everyone was appalled. In fact, plenty of parents chimed in to say they do something similar, especially those who homeschool or have flexible schedules.
- 'Thank God there are other families that don’t make their kids go to bed at 7 and have a day routine. I’m winging this thing called motherhood & life.'
- 'We do something similar! In bed by midnight. It’s amazing because early mornings are the woooorst.'
- 'Why I homeschool…we get to decide our schedule and our lifestyle. We are night owls too.'
Emily insists her kids are thriving, waking up around 10:30am and, after a few nudges, are 'perfect for the rest of the day.' She says the routine works for their family, and that’s what matters most.
But this isn’t the only eyebrow-raising parenting style making waves. Another mum, Jeri-Leah, has gone viral for her 'no rules' approach. She doesn’t expect her four kids to do chores or take on any responsibilities.
Source: @emilyboazman / Tiktok.
'You don’t have to tidy, I will do that. I don’t mind. I’ll put your clothes away, I’ll wash your clothes. That’s my job, I’m your mum; I’m gonna mother you; let me smother you,' she explained in her own controversial video.
These stories have reignited the age-old debate: Is there a 'right' way to parent? Should kids have strict routines, or is it okay to let them stay up late and sleep in? Should children be given chores, or is it fine for parents to do everything for them?
Experts generally agree that routines and boundaries help children feel secure and develop good habits.
The Australian Parenting Website, Raising Children Network, recommends consistent bedtimes for young children, noting that sleep is crucial for their development, mood, and learning.
Most school-aged kids need 9–11 hours of sleep per night, and late bedtimes can sometimes interfere with their natural sleep cycles.
However, every family is different. Homeschooling, shift work, and cultural traditions can all influence what works best. The key, say many child psychologists, is ensuring kids get enough sleep overall, have time for play and learning, and feel loved and supported.
Read more: Are you making this fast food mistake? The simple etiquette trick all Aussies swear by
Did you have a strict bedtime routine for your kids? Do you think these modern approaches are a recipe for chaos, or just a sign of the times? And what about chores—should kids be expected to help out, or is it okay for parents to do it all? Share your stories, opinions, and advice in the comments below!
