Every. Single. Night.
Even with your 14 year old, you still struggle to get them to bed and to stay in bed.
You tell them they get five minutes minimum and 15 minutes maximum to chat about their day. And while talking to your three children makes this the best time of the day, you still struggle when an animated conversation is keeping them from getting the kind of rest that they need.
You started this habit when they were little and now they just know it is going to happen. You talk about their highs and lows at that time too, and even when they are mad at me for some previous interaction then you just lay in silence for a minimum of five minutes before giving them a final goodnight. You know that these transitions will be more difficult to follow when your children become older teens with part time jobs and more study and athletic practice sessions, but for now you are clinging to the moments that you still have.
Planning for the Future Is Parenting at Its Best