Bedtime Routine Ideas for An Easy Win With Kids

Getting a little one ready for bed can be HARD. Between convincing them to get upstairs, to forcing them to brush their teeth to putting on the perfect pajamas, parents can be exhausted, frustrated and overstimulated by the time their child is tucked into bed. The best solution to overcome bedtime drama from your child is to establish a bedtime routine!

Not only can a nightly routine improve the parents overall emotional well being, it is highly beneficial to your child.

"Research demonstrates that increased engagement in general, everyday routines is associated with positive child outcomes, including enhanced language development, academic achievement, and social-emotional and behavioral functioning. Everyday routines can also benefit family functioning," –National Library of Medicine (National Center of Biotechnology Medicine).

Establishing a bedtime routine can sometimes be easier said than done. Below are a few tips to making any type of routine for kids more successful:

• Be consistent

• A routine will not be established if it’s not done over and over. The more consistent you are with routines, the easier your time your child will have knowing what is "next" in the schedule.

• Keep it simple

• Over complicating a routine may discourage your child in getting ready for bed and may cause more "delays."

• Keep it short

• A nightly routine should be fairly quick and age appropriate.

• Watch the time

• Remember to allow enough time to get everything done before you want them in bed. For example, we want the kids in bed at 8:00 so we start our routine at 7:45.

• Offer choices

• This has been the biggest help with my toddler who wants to feel independent! Provide two parent approved options that your child can choose from. For example, lay out two pajama options, two stuffed animals that they can choose from to be in bed or two book options for a bedtime story.

• Choices keep the arguing to a minimum and lets your little one feel like they have a voice in their bedtime routine.

Now that you have a few pointers to creating a successful bedtime routine, check out these daily kids routine ideas to customize a routine that works best for your whole family. Remember, a routine is consistent but adjustable. If something doesn’t work well, you can change it!

Bedtime Routine Ideas for babies and toddlers:

• Nutritious snack/bottle/last drink of water

• Pick up bedroom toys

• Close curtains, turn lamp on or nightlight

• Create a calm environment!

• Bathtime

• Brush teeth

• Go to the bathroom or change diaper

• Put on pajamas

• Lullaby

• Bedtime story

• Talk about your day

• Cuddle time/rocking

• Prayers

• Talk about your day

• Start sound machine/soothing music

Bedtime Routine Ideas for school aged kids:

• Pick up room

• Close curtains

• Nightly shower

• Brush and floss teeth

• Go to the bathroom

• Pajamas

• Set out clothes for tomorrow

• Read or draw

• Quiet time in room

• Talk about your day

• Prayers

• Lights out

The more you talk to your child about the routine and expectations, the easier it will be for them to follow and even lead the nightly routine. Creating a chart that they can follow along with may help younger kids if they need visual cues.

And remember, routines can be created and placed in all parts of the day! Morning routines are lifesavers for school age kids, daily routines help little ones flow with the day better and meal time/after school routines help parents and kids alike to keep up with day to day demands.

So choose a few or all of the bedtime routine ideas for a more calm and relaxing bedtime that everyone can be happy with. As a parent, you can take the win!

Jenn writes at her blog healthyhappyimpactful.com. She’s a mom of three looking to learn and grow. Check it out if you love helpful tips on health, family, and personal growth.