Most moms would agree that the bedtime hustle can often be a struggle. That’s why I’m sharing these 10 tips to create a stress free evening routine for kids.
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Do you find yourself consistently running around in the evenings and struggling to get your kids ready for bed? If you’re like most moms, chances are evenings at your house are chaotic. I know ours used to be (and honestly sometimes still are because….kids!)
BUT…having an evening routine helps SO MUCH! It keeps everyone organized, on schedule, and (somewhat) relaxed.
The thought of creating a realistic evening routine with your kids might seem overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together some tips to help make it easier!
From having the routine visible for your kids to keeping it short and sweet, these ideas will give you a system that works best for YOUR family.
Everyone’s evenings will undoubtedly look a little different depending on their circumstances and season of life. However, there are still ways to make your evenings run smoothly.
Take what you will and leave what you want. Create something that works best for you and your family– your sanity (and sleep) will thank me later!
Grab your FREE evening routine template in my printables library by signing up for my email list HERE.
Why are Evening Routines Important?
Okay so before you decide that evening routines aren’t for kids or that yours don’t need them, hear me out. Just like adults, kids also benefit and thrive from structure and routines. Here are some benefits of creating an evening routine for kids:
- Promotes better sleep
- Teach kids independence
- Reduces stress
- Fosters responsibility
- Enhances family bonding
- Helps establish good habits
- Give children a sense of security
- Kids know what to expect, which reduces anxiety or worry
- Creates ways to channel mischievous behavior in a productive manner
- Build skills to help them be productive members of society
- Sets a positive tone for the next day
If you’re looking for a way to help your kids establish and stick to routines, look no further than the Realistic Routines for Kids Packet!
Tips for Implementing an Evening Routine for Kids
Creating an evening routine for kids can feel very intimidating when you have never had real structure before. Just remember everyone starts from zero when first creating new routines.
Here are a few tips to create a realistic evening routine for kids that will work and last.
1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime
Establishing a consistent bedtime is one of the most important aspects of a healthy evening routine for kids. It’s essential for their physical and mental well-being and can have a real impact on their overall mood and behavior.
Getting into the habit of going to bed at the same time each night helps regulate the body’s natural sleep cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
According to The Cleveland Clinic, school-aged children require anywhere from 9-12 hours of sleep per night! So getting your kiddos to bed early is essential.
By setting a reasonable bedtime and being consistent, kids will start to feel more rested and energized throughout the day, and parents will likely notice a positive change in their child’s behavior, too.
2. Involve Your Kids
Getting your child to actually stick to the routine can be a challenge. That’s where involving them in the planning process can make all the difference.
Giving your child some say in their routine can create a sense of ownership and responsibility, which they’ll hopefully carry over into the actual routine itself. Plus, it’s a great way to empower them and help them build autonomy, confidence, and responsibility.
From picking out their pajamas to choosing which book to read before bed, involving them can turn your routine from a chore to a fun activity.
So why not give it a try and see if your child becomes more willing to follow their evening routine!
3. Limit Screen Time
If you find yourself struggling with keeping your kids focused during their evening routine, you’re not alone! There are already so many distractions to compete with around us which is why it’s important to limit screen time before bedtime.
I know it can be tempting to let them continue watching their favorite show or playing their favorite game, but studies have shown that the blue light emitted from screens can disrupt sleep patterns.
Instead, try incorporating more calming activities into their routine, such as reading a book or listening to relaxing music. By doing so, you can help them unwind and get the restful sleep they need for a productive day ahead.
4. Create a Calming and Relaxing Environment
After a long day of school, friends, play, and homework, it’s crucial to create an environment that’s calm, relaxing, and conducive to a good night’s sleep. Kids need this time to wind down and get ready for the sweet dreams ahead.
One way we can achieve this is by creating a peaceful atmosphere in the house. Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics, light a few candles, and play some soft instrumental music. Encourage your kiddos to crawl into cozy pajamas and choose a few books for storytime.
By sticking to a consistent routine and intentionally creating a calming environment, you’ll help your children feel relaxed and ready for a good night’s sleep.
If you’re looking for a way to help your kids establish and stick to routines, look no further than the Realistic Routines for Kids Packet!
5. Make the Routine visible
As parents, we all know the challenges of getting our little ones to complete their evening routine without resistance or forgetfulness. That’s why creating a visual list can be a game-changer for keeping your child on track and making sure they don’t miss any important steps
Creating a visual list can help your child remember what they need to do and make things more manageable for you as well. It’s a simple and fun way to have them stay on track and make their nighttime routine feel like a breeze.
From taking a bath, brushing their teeth, putting on pajamas, and reading a book, all the steps can go up on their list, and they can cross them out as they complete each one. Your kid will enjoy being in control and checking items off while you’ll be grateful for the little peace of mind it provides.
By having a clear and fun visual guide, kids can take charge of their bedtime routine and feel empowered to complete each task independently.
Create your own with my FREE evening routine template in my printables library by signing up for my email list HERE.
6. Start Early
Any parent knows that even the smallest tasks much longer than expected when you throw kids into the mix. That’s why it’s important that kids’ bedtime routine should start earlier than you might initially think.
This doesn’t necessarily mean rushing through the activities, but rather allowing for enough time to wind down before it’s time for bed.
Starting the routine earlier not only helps with getting kids to bed on time but can also make the transition from playtime to bedtime smoother and less stressful.
By giving your child enough time to relax, read a book, or take a warm bath, they can ease into sleep and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
So while it may seem like starting the bedtime routine earlier would cut into valuable playtime, it can ultimately lead to a happier and healthier household.
7. Keep It Short and Sweet
While it’s important to establish an evening routine for kids to help them wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep, it’s equally important to keep this routine short and sweet. Children have a limited attention span, especially when it’s getting close to bedtime.
Rather than overwhelming your little ones with a long list of tasks, it’s much better to focus on a few key activities that will help them wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
By keeping the routine short and sweet, you’ll not only make it easier for yourself, but you’ll also be setting your kids up for success when it comes to getting the rest they need to thrive.
8. Use Timers
Implementing the use of timers can be a game changer when it comes to creating a seamless evening routine for kids. By setting designated times for tasks such as brushing teeth and getting ready for bed, children can become more self-sufficient and responsible.
Not only does the use of timers instill good habits in kids, but it also teaches them the importance of time management – a skill that will benefit them throughout their lives. Additionally, timers can add an element of fun to the routine, as kids can race against the clock to complete tasks.
Give it a try and see the positive impact it can have on your family’s evening routine.
9. Take Time to Connect with Your Kids
After a long day of school, work, after-school activities, and everything in between, bedtime can be the perfect opportunity to connect with your kids.
It’s easy to become absorbed in the chaos of daily life, but setting aside time before bed to bond with your little ones can be a great way to wind down and strengthen your relationship. Here are some ways you can bond with your kids during their evening routine:
- Bedtime Conversations: Engage your children in meaningful conversations while they brush their teeth or get ready for bed.
- Lullabies or Singing: Singing lullabies or soft songs to your children as they prepare for bed can create a soothing environment and help them relax.
- Bedtime Stories
- Massage or Back Rubs: Offer gentle massages or back rubs to help your kids unwind and relax before sleep.
- Guided Meditation or Deep Breathing: Teach your children simple meditation or deep breathing exercises to calm their minds and bodies before bed.
- Gratitude and Prayers: Take a moment to express gratitude and pray with your children.
- Bedtime Journaling: Provide your children with a special journal or notebook where they can write or draw about their day or their dreams.
- Goodnight Rituals: Develop unique and personalized goodnight rituals with your kids. This could include giving them a special goodnight hug or kiss, saying a secret goodnight phrase, or leaving a small note or token near their bed for them to discover in the morning.
Remember, every child is unique, so adapt these suggestions based on their age, preferences, and interests. They will thank you for it, and you’ll cherish those memories for years to come!
10. Consistency is Key
It’s not always easy to stick to a schedule, especially on weekends. But being consistent can make all the difference in establishing good habits for your child and helping them feel secure. Think about it, when you have a predictable routine, you know what’s coming next and can prepare accordingly. The same goes for your child. When they have a solid evening routine, they may feel calmer, more confident, and more prepared for what’s to come. So, be consistent! Stick to the routine every night, even on weekends. It can be challenging at first, but the benefits are worth it!
Grab your FREE evening routine template in my printables library by signing up for my email list HERE.
How Can I Reward or Hold My Kids Accountable?
Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to ensure your kids will continue to work hard at the routines you put in place. Here are a few ways you can hold your kids accountable
- Praise or positive reinforcement
- Affection- hugs and kisses, high-fives, and pats on the back
- Reward System- create a sticker chart or checklist
- Work it into their allowance if they have one
- Give them the power to make decisions- let them pick what’s for dinner, what movie they will watch, or what fun activity you will do on the weekend
Now it’s time to use these tips to create an easy evening routine for your kids. Remember to tailor it to your family’s needs and season of life. With a great system in place, your days no longer have to end on a stressful foot and evenings can actually be a time everyone looks forward to!
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