Top 5 Tips for Improving Kids’ Bedtime Routines

Sleep is very important for everyone, especially kids. They are learning and growing so much everyday. Your evening routine sets the tone for how fast and well they will sleep. Over the years, I have found some great tips for improving the bedtime routine for your kids!

Here are 5 tips for improving your kids bedtime routine.

1. Set Timers and Plan Ahead
   • Set alarms on your phone to keep track of the time. It’s amazing how time gets away from you!
     • Timers earlier in the day for screens, sugar, caffeine, ect. are great depending on the habits in your house.
     • My kids have a reminder to make sure they are drinking water earlier in the day. I felt like EVERYDAY at supper they were GUZZLING water like it was going out of style. They were really thirsty. Now, we are better at staying hydrated earlier so it isn’t an issue in the evening.
   • Allow an extra 10 minutes for mishaps or kids who are still learning and not quite cooperating.
   • Here is a more in-depth post on do’s and don’t of sleep for kids! Lots of great tips and explanations!
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2. Invest in Systems/Helpful Gadgets
   • Here is a toothpaste dispenser we use to reduce waste and encourage our kids to brush their teeth by themselves. It takes a little bit to get used to, but it is easy to clean and works pretty well.
   • Print out a simple checklist with words/pictures
     • Sample Checklist
       • Change to PJs
       • Brush teeth
       • Bathroom
       • Pick out a book
       • Prayers
3. Plan 15 Extra Minutes for Reading Time
   • We used to end up speeding through reading to try to get them to sleep earlier. Now we plan extra time. It is so helpful to allow some extra time for reading so they can fall asleep faster.
4. Talk to Your Pediatrician about Possible Supplements/Oils
   • Our oldest son has autism, He has a tough time winding down and falling asleep at night. We made sure no screens 2 hours before bed, followed same routine, music, fidgets, and a weighted blanket. Even when we knew he was exhausted, he struggled. We try not to take medicine as much as possible, but we needed to try something. We use these melatonin drops at about one-quarter of a dose and they seem to help a lot. Of course, always talk to your pediatrician and do your research first.
5. Set and Stick to Boundaries
   • “I’m thirsty” “Can we have 1 more story?” “I need another blanket.”
   • We’ve all heard these pleas umpteen times from our little ones. These are to be expected, so please don’t let them frustrate you as much as I have.
   • It’s not always easy. It takes patience! Be prepared to remind your kids multiple times in the evening.
     • “We do the evening checklist, then we go and stay in bed. No exceptions!”
   • Of course things change if you notice your child isn’t feeling well. For the most part, it is best to stay strong and stick to your boundaries. That is how you improve the bedtime routine.

I hope these 5 bedtime routine tips are helpful in creating a more peaceful and restful home. They have been a huge help at our house!