Following the same relaxing routine every night helps kids get better sleep and have a deeper sense of security.
Bedtime is an important part of a young child’s day and an opportune time for parents to provide loving, nurturing, and foundational care that can benefit their children in the long term. A solid bedtime routine can encourage quality sleep, deepen family bonds, maintain the rhythms of the household, and offer a sense of security and love to children. It can also ward off bedtime issues that leave parents with little time to themselves each night.
Before bedtime, you might consider a few details about your child’s day that can help them ease into their bedtime routine and get a good night’s sleep. During the day, make sure that children get a lot of outdoor exercise, don’t eat too much sugar or processed foods, and are exposed to limited (if any) screens. When you’re finally ready to begin the winding down rituals, here are a few elements that may enhance or improve your child’s bedtime routine.
Consistency
Fundamentally, a good bedtime routine is consistent, calming, loving, and peaceful. Consistency means following the same bedtime routine at the same time each night.Relaxing Bath Time
Using a trigger to initiate bedtime can be a helpful tool. Perhaps you play soft music, say a special phrase, or begin with a fun and relaxing activity. A nightly bath, with plenty of time for tub toy fun, is a healthy and joyful way to get your kids to transition from daytime to bedtime.Calming Atmosphere
The atmosphere can also signal when it’s time to get ready for bed. Dim the lights, close the shades, lower the temperature in your home, and reduce external stimuli such as noisy toys or television.Story Time
What bedtime would be complete without a story or three? Reading aloud to your children is one of the most beneficial things you can do for them, and it’s a joyful experience that you’ll both treasure forever. When your little ones are all cleaned up and tucked into their beds, read to them, do all the voices, giggle along, and when they ask for one more, don’t always say no.Goodnight Ritual
As their sleepy eyes get heavier, softly ask them what they thought their favorite part of the day was or what they were grateful for today. If you’re so inclined, encourage them to say a prayer. Incorporate special rituals that might include a familiar way to say goodnight, a hug and a kiss from Mommy and Daddy, or whatever meaningful and loving pattern you’ll duplicate each and every night.
