Bed Time Routine for children

I love bedtime. It’s my most favorite time of the daywith respect to my children. Major interaction throughout the day with our kidsis “do this, do that”.We all live in tight schedules and finding quality time to engage in meaningfulconversations with kids seems difficult in daytime. But bedtimes are all aboutthe kids and us. I love to listen to them and when they share their feelings,it definitely puts me in a happy place. It helps us to slow down, connect andget sorted for the next day. After a round of brushing teeth or a bath,changing into night suits, I start with the bedtime routine.

Most children love to ask questions, listen to theirfavorite story, snuggle with you before calling it a day. And before they dozeoff, we could engage with them in a hearty talk to utilize bedtime in aproductive way. These are some of the things that I follow;

·       Ask simple questions:

• How was your day? 

• Are you happy/sad?

• What was the best thing that happened

  
  

  today?

• What do you want to dream about

  
  

  tonight?

§  Snuggle it up:

•      Use this time to snuggle and cuddle 

•     Lay down (whole family) and just talk 

•      Read a book together

•      Could use this as a Gratitude time

●      Just kids time:

      30 mins before bedtime, we have allocated it solely to the kids. My husband and metake turns alternate days to do WHATEVER the kids want for those 30 minutes. Itcould be playing hide and seek, a round of Ludo, coloring or just jumping upand down on the bed (which I dislike even if there’s a mere mention of it). Attimes the toddler is too tired for anything, then it’s just a story.

      Moral values:

       I have been consistently practicing talkingto both my kids about good values and virtues that we should try to imbibe. Achild’s character is built at an early age and becomes the foundation of  their very being. You can share small incidents and stories about doing good and being fair. It’s great conversationwith the kids and serves dual purpose.

·Important people in our lives:

       Each night we talk of people who matter to our children, who love our children.Whoever is part of our lives but we don’t see them daily get mentioned. Andalso, of their grandparents who are not there with us anymore. Believe me mydaughter talks about her grandmother as though she is right here, though mymother-in-law passed away much before she was born.

·Prepare for the next day:

      This may sound unnecessary but it’s of great impact if done routinely. To putit at the back of their mind how their next day would be like, it prepares thembetter to handle certain things. For eg. my toddler dislikes her onlineclasses. So, when I mention about the class next day, after a few tantrums sheaccepts it and knows for sure that it’s something she has to attend. She wakesup with an acceptable frame of mind. Works for me!! Doesn’t it help us even torun through what we’ll be doing the next day.

·Bedtime story:

      This is something all parents invariably do. To read a story from their favoritebook or to make up a fictional story is really exciting for children. They loveto wander off to faraway fantasy land. It enhances imagination and developsreading/listening skills. Reading also boosts a bond of love between the childand parent. You could start a story one day and continue reading for severaldays. It brings excitement for bedtimes as children look forward to it.

·Sing a song:

      Bedtime songs and lullaby’s stimulate relaxation and peace. Listening to thesame songs over and over again gives a feeling of calm and comfort. Kids willeventually have a peaceful happy sleep. 

 Early, age-appropriate bedtime can significantly affect your child’s healthemotionally, mentally and physically. Propernighttime routines and schedule ensures the child to get a sound sleep andfunction their best. They will wake up fresh and well rested. Following a goodbedtime routine should be a family priority and everyone has to work as team.

It’s entirely upon us what kind of a schedule we wantfor our kids. But having one is necessary. To get them into a mood and slowdown before hitting the bed. Sleep is considered a medicine now a days. Sleepwell, live well.

As Mesut Barazany put it “Your future depends on yourdreams, so go to sleep”.

What is the routine you follow with your children?

Am I missing any good points?