Bedtime Routine
If you are a parent, chances are your child doesn’t always wake up spunky. Some kids are morning people and some kids just aren’t.
As a classroom teacher, one thing I know for sure, routines are VITAL.
Kids thrive on routine. Well before they can tell time, they ask what is happening next. My students ask me what we are doing next ALL DAY LONG.
Bedtime should be prioritized with a set time AND routine.
Regardless of what kind of riser your child is, a set routine is necessary to get out the door in a timely manner, stop those morning fits, and establish great habits that will transition with them as they grow.
Bedtime is also a time to grow and nurture your relationship with your child. Put down your phone and show them undivided attention. You will never get those precious years back. Trust me, you won’t regret the hours you spent with your child getting ready for bed, having meaningful conversations and bonding. If you already do this, my hat is off to you!
Repetition and structure help children feel safe and loved. A bedtime routine declares the day is over and allows them to foster independence while they work on these skills. Part of learning to be independent is learning how to wind down and relax. This is an important skill as they head off to school or even if they have been in school for a few years. In an age of constant technology exposure, kids struggle calming themselves.
Bedtime routines also allow parents to have much needed adult time to decompress from the day.
I created the Bedtime Routine to help kids establish their routine as well as be in control of it. Starting with cleaning up any toys to the last step of going to sleep.
There are two things you may want to get to make the FREE printable routine last.
My first recommendation is a laminator to laminate the chart and the routine pieces.
I also recommend velcro pads so your child can easily move the routine pieces from the to-do column to the done column. Both items will make the chart last a long time which means the routine will be set in stone!
This routine is definitely geared toward younger kids. For parents with older kids, you can implement the same ideas but without a chart. Some things I recommend for older kids who are on the computer and cell phone more:
Blue light glasses - great for helping tired eyes AND helping kids get to sleep at night.
An alarm clock using natural light - perfect for the teenager that claims they have to use their cell phone as an alarm clock. The added bonus of using light to gently wake up is a great feature.
Blackout Shades - these are perfect for any age kid! My husband had to use them when he worked nights and now we swear by them. My niece recently got them as well, (she’s in kindergarten) and she’s already sleeping better and longer!
I hope these tips help! Sleep is SO important for your child and YOU! A solid routine can change your life and your child’s!
Do you already have a bedtime routine? What is your favorite part of bedtime?