In Clovis, New Mexico, Emily Boazman and her family embrace a lifestyle as “night owls,” which has intrigued many after a TikTok video showcasing their unique nighttime routine went viral. Emily, a 35-year-old stay-at-home mom, shares her life with her husband Jake, a 44-year-old district attorney, and their three children: 9-year-old Crew, 7-year-old Knox, and 3-year-old Keen. Instead of winding down for bed by 8 p.m., as is typical for most families, Emily’s routine begins around 8:45 p.m. after an evening walk. This distinct lifestyle reflects her upbringing in a family that also preferred late nights, where structured bedtimes were never a norm.
As the family reconvenes at home, Jake returns from basketball, initiating the preparation for dinner. By 9:26 p.m., they gather around the dinner table, followed by post-meal activities, including cleaning up, watching basketball highlights, and engaging in personal grooming. The children’s bedtime routine extends until nearly midnight, showcasing a stark contrast to conventional parenting schedules. After tucking the kids in, Emily and Jake opt to unwind together until almost 1 a.m., managing to maintain a balance that evidently works for their family dynamics, despite the late nights.
The children’s homeschooling schedule allows for a leisurely start to the day, typically beginning around 10:30 a.m. During this time, Emily organizes house chores, prepares lunch, and reads to her children while Jake is occupied with his court duties. Emily notes that the children adapt well to their schedule, requiring a nudge to get them out of bed but thriving once they are up. This late-waking routine allows the family to enjoy quality bonding time in the mornings, fostering a relaxed atmosphere at home.
Interestingly, the Boazman’s unconventional routine harmonizes with that of their broader community. Emily highlights that their friends share similar lifestyles, which facilitates late-night gatherings and activities, such as pickleball and volleyball. This communal lifestyle reflects a broader acceptance of their night owl routine, reinforcing the belief that their family’s way of living is both normal and fulfilling for their particular circumstances.
However, the family’s viral TikTok clip elicited significant online reactions, many of which were critical. Emily faced harsh judgment from some viewers who labeled their parenting as abusive, expressing concerns about the implications of the late schedule on the children’s health. Some comments on social media suggested that such a routine isn’t developmentally appropriate, insisting that children should adhere to traditional bedtimes for proper health and wellbeing. Emily denies any coercion regarding bedtimes, affirming that her children have the autonomy to choose when to sleep, albeit with the natural constraint of not staying up later than their parents.
Throughout the backlash, Emily expressed her astonishment at the intense scrutiny from individuals disconnected from their family. While she understands the intrigue surrounding their lifestyle, the depth of concern from strangers surprised her, prompting reflection on societal norms regarding parenting practices. Ultimately, the Boazman family’s experience challenges conventional bedtime expectations, contributing to an ongoing conversation about the diverse ways families can structure their lives to fit their unique needs and preferences.
