Raising Night Owls: A Family’s Unique Approach to Sleep
In the Boazman household, there is no strict bedtime. The family of five — consisting of parents Emily and Jake, and their three children — has adopted a lifestyle that embraces late-night activities and flexible sleeping schedules. For Emily, 35, this approach works well because it aligns with her natural rhythm as a night owl.
A typical day for the Boazmans begins with homeschooling for their daughters, Crew (9) and Knox (7), and their youngest son, Keen (3). After completing their lessons, the family usually has dinner around 9 or 10 p.m., followed by playtime until midnight. The children then go to bed whenever they feel tired, which can be anywhere from midnight to later in the night.
Emily explains that this schedule “just works” for them. She admits she has never been a morning person, and her husband, Jake, also identifies as a night owl. Their lifestyle is rooted in their own upbringing and personal preferences. They have never enforced a strict bedtime, except for one rule: the children cannot stay up later than their parents.
Despite the flexibility, the family still maintains a structured routine. Jake, who works as a district attorney and needs to be at work by 8 a.m. during the week, manages to function on very little sleep. The children, on the other hand, wake up naturally between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. for their homeschooling sessions. On one day a week, they attend a homeschool co-op group meeting at 9 a.m.
The family's approach has sparked mixed reactions, especially on social media. When Emily shared a video detailing their routine on TikTok, she received thousands of negative comments. Some users accused the couple of being “narcissistic” and even suggested that keeping the kids up so late was abusive. Others described the lifestyle as “chaotic” or a “recipe for disaster” when the children eventually need to adapt to a more traditional schedule.
However, not all responses were negative. Some viewers related to the Boazmans’ lifestyle. One parent wrote, “This makes me feel normal! We are the same exact way in our house with four kiddos.” Another commented, “All families operate differently. You guys look extremely happy and organized – I love it for you!”
Emily acknowledges that the criticism was difficult to handle initially. But she tries not to let the opinions of strangers affect her. She reminds herself that the children get 9-11 hours of sleep each night — just at a later time than most people. She believes that what matters most is the happiness and well-being of her family.
The Benefits of Flexibility
While some may question the effectiveness of a late-night schedule, the Boazmans argue that their approach fosters a sense of autonomy and independence among their children. By allowing them to decide when they go to sleep, the family encourages self-regulation and respect for personal rhythms.
Additionally, the Boazmans emphasize that their children are not deprived of sleep. They receive the recommended amount of rest, even if it occurs later in the evening. This balance between structure and flexibility seems to work for their unique family dynamic.
Conclusion
The Boazman family’s decision to embrace a non-traditional sleep schedule highlights the diversity of parenting approaches. While not everyone may agree with their methods, the family remains confident in their choice. As they continue to navigate life together, they remain focused on what brings them joy and peace — a testament to the power of individuality in family life.