I've had a few emails with questions in the past asking me what I think is one of the most important things you can do for your children. I've thought a lot about this. Other than the obvious always encouraging them and loving them, one of the things that I am so glad we initiated early on was a bedtime routine.
There is many reasons for this, and it benefits my kids as well as myself. Why? It's teaching the kids routines, patterns, schedules...which ultimately will help minimize meltdowns and behaviors. It also is great knowing that unless a kid gets sick or something out of the ordinary happens, that by 9 pm every night things will be quiet in the house, and I can have time to breath and get prepared for the next day.
Of course the kids need reminded, a lot. But they are getting to the point where they just need to be redirected because they know what they need to do. Depending on how long it takes them will determine how long of a bed time story time they will get. We read to the kids every day, but the amount of time fluctuates, and occasionally they do run out of time and they don't get to pick out a bedtime story.
What does our routine look like? It's pretty simple really....but always seems to end up taking us an hour from start to finish when they are all tucked in.
1. PJ's on.
2. Pick out school clothes for the next day. (we set these out with their school bags so everything is together)
3. Nighttime medicine (vitamins)
4. Brush teeth and hair
5. Pick out stories!
6. Read. Normally we read two stories for the younger ones, and Anika reads by herself in bed for 15 minutes.
7. Hugs, Kisses, and Lights out!
Like I said, it looks pretty simple, but if we start at 7 or 7:15, they will squeak by and slip into bed by 8pm.
Kids are creatures of habit. Having a consistent routine before bedtime every night will reduce the ups and downs, fights at bedtime, and create a good sleeping pattern for them.
Do you have a bedtime routine for your children? What are some things you do that work well for your kids? Comment below and let us know!
~Melissa
Hi Melissa
ReplyDeleteVisiting from SSS Hop. Thanks for linking up.
Angel
Hi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post with great tips. Children thrive on routine and love! Or as you said it " children are creatures of habit" And this is exactly what you suggest!
Maria @
www.musicteachingandparenting.com
I have four children (two grown, one getting there) and we've had a routine bedtime with each of them. It really does foster good habits, allow them to wake up early and not be tired (important for school), and it's good for them too to have that consistency!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking to Super Sunday Sync. :)
We have a great routine with Reagan at bed time. I almost hate it when it gets interrupted because it seems like everything goes awry when it does.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. :)
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(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
Raising-Reagan.com
I agree 100%. My kids have a routine they follow every night - and so that I don't have to keep reminding them, I've just make a list - with pictures - telling them everything that needs to be done each night. It makes night time SOOO much easier! And since my hubby works nights and I'm all by myself, it so much less stressful on me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Sam
The Kitchen is My Dance Floor
http://cooksandcreates.blogspot.com/
Routine is the way to go! We are pretty lax sometimes and it always comes to bite us in the bum when everyone is tired and grouchy!!
ReplyDeleteRoutine is the way to go! We are pretty lax sometimes and it always comes to bite us in the bum when everyone is tired and grouchy!!
ReplyDeleteI have started doing a routine and he does lay down quicker and earlier than he used to which I'm so glad about. My son is 17 months old now. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Mommy Mondy! xoxo
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes, I couldn't agree with you more! All 3 of our kids (4, 2, 7mo) are in bed by 7:30 and after a long day, I NEED this time after they are asleep! Our routine is simple, jammies, bottles, book, bed...we try and keep it simple so that on nights that we don't have as much time or get home late it isn't a long process. We also have a no tolerance rule for them getting up, they know that if they get up they are going straight back to bed and if they do it a second time they lose a privilege for the next day. We had to be really strict in the beginning, but the consistency paid off and now they never get up once they are down (of course, as a mom we know if they are actually sick or really need something!)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Dawn from I Think We Could Be Friends.com stopping by from Coastal Charm :)
Bedtime routines are definitely a great idea. Mine is pretty similar to yours although I'm not organized enough to pick out clothes the night before :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up for WW!
Paula
lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com
Hi there, I agree, they love love love routines! Especially if there's a special thing for them after each job, e.g. brush teeth then pick out a story. Visiting your site from Fresh Eggs Daily blog hop :)
ReplyDeleteBec from Journey to the Goodlife www.goodlifeessentials.co.nz
Great post, I raised my daughter on a strict bedtime routine and it was helpful to the whole family. Easier mornings too. Thanks for linking this great post up to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link party! I look forward to seeing you next week.
ReplyDeleteRoutine is very important to kids. We have an early bird so our routine starts at the end of an early dinner. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
ReplyDelete