7 Tips to Help Create the Best Bedtime Routine for Kids…

April 7, 2019
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The one thing that most parents do not look forward to is bedtime. It has always been an issue in my house. 

Luckily, I finally cracked the code 🙂 

Here are 7 tips to help you create the code cracking bedtime routine for your kids!

1. Screen Time

Make sure your kids are ending screen time about an hour before bedtime. 

Too much stimulation can make it difficult for your child’s brain to shut down and allow them to get to sleep. 

Try making the ambiance calm and relaxing to allow time for your child to settle and prepare their body for sleep. 

2. Lavender

Use lavender scents for your kiddos at bedtime. You can find lavender soap, lotion, and essential oils. 

My favorite lavender thing to use for my kids is the Johnson’s bedtime moisture wash. 

You can purchase it here https://amzn.to/2UmJNtX on Amazon (this is an affiliate link and I do receive money from your purchase). 

3. Meaningful Conversation

Connecting with your kids before bedtime is a great way to stay involved with their lives. 

The girls and I added our “high/lows” to our bedtime routine. 

We talk about what the high (positive) was for the day. What our low (negative) was for the day. Then we talk about what is one nice thing we can do for someone else tomorrow. 

The girls look forward to this and are excited to talk about their day. This is a huge accomplishment because most days my 7 year old has one word answers for how her day has gone. 

4. Bedtime Story

Another great way to connect with your kids is a bedtime story. This is a chance to cuddle with your kids and show some extra love before bed. 

Let your kids pick the book. If they can read, switch it up and let them read to you. 

This is also a great time to read some books that help with self-esteem, body image, being kind, etc. 

5. Early Bedtime

The worst thing you can do for your kids is get them to bed too late. If your child is already crying and having melt downs then you’ve missed their bedtime. Earlier is better! 

Here is a chart to find out how many hours of sleep your child should be getting as well as a bedtime range for your child’s age!

SLEEP CHART

6. Be Consistent

It’s Friday and everyone is excited that they do not have to get up early and go to work/school the next day. 

The biggest mistake you can make is allowing your kids to stay up late and sleep in super late the next day. It will throw everything off for the week and you will regret Monday morning when your little one is struggling to get out of bed. 

Stick with your bedtime routine 24/7. That may seem annoying but when Monday comes around you will be thankful that you did!

7. Hugs & Kisses

There is nothing more important than your kids going to bed knowing that they are loved. 

When kids go to bed on a positive note, it fills their little head with happy thoughts which means no nightmares and a quicker amount of time falling asleep! 

Ending your days on a positive note is beneficial for everyone.

If bedtime is a stressful and frustrating time for you and your family, you must find a routine that works for you! 

I hope that these tips can help you create your families ideal bedtime routine!

xoxo, it’s cool mom

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Education, Parenting
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