Discover how to make bedtime a breeze with calming activities that help your kids wind down and foster connection at the end of the day. These fun and soothing bedtime ideas aim to gently ease your children into sleep without resistance.
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Think of cozy pajamas with tiny toes peeking out, stories full of adventure, and snuggling up under soft blankets. Sounds lovely, right? Yet, for many, bedtime feels more like a nightmare than a pleasant dream. Exhaustion hits hard at the end of a busy day filled with snow pants, kitchen clean-ups, and piggyback rides with the kids. And then comes bedtime—the final, often challenging transition of the day.
As I remind myself of the mantra “I think I can, I think I can,” reality sets in. Without a little nagging and patience-testing, bedtime feels impossible. Having spent energy making the day great for my family, it seems wasteful to end on a sour note. I understand that what happens before bed can stick with my children overnight and even into the next day. I know bedtime is a precious opportunity to bond, yet my kids seem to ignore me at bedtime.
When I paused to ponder why bedtime was a struggle, it struck me that I wasn’t the only one tired. After a full day of play, learning, and listening, my kids are in no mood for more instructions. They just want to unwind, much like I do at the end of the day. But, sleep is crucial for good behavior and mood. So, how can I encourage them to join the bedtime routine in a way that respects their need for relaxation?
More important, what strategies can ensure we end the day with love and positivity instead of stress and guilt?
A strong relationship with your kids is the best (and healthiest) way to encourage cooperation. While bedtime can cause anxiety as it marks a long separation from parents, play is a fantastic stress reliever. It sparks creativity and laughter and helps ease anxiety.
So, it’s time to ditch the ‘marching orders’ and embrace foolproof strategies centered on fun, creativity, and connection. Here are some bedtime routines and activities to help you achieve a smoother bedtime with your child:
– Pick each other’s pajamas and change together.
– Throw a tooth brushing party with music and dancing.
– Share five things you appreciate about your child.
– Create a bedtime story featuring family members as characters.
– Do a wheelbarrow walk through the bedtime routine.
– Play ‘Simon Says’ with bedtime tasks.
– Enforce a ‘No talking, only singing’ rule.
– Read a story in a silly voice.
– Make up knock-knock jokes.
– Communicate with gestures and hand signals.
– Choose the silliest pajamas.
– Attempt a super-serious bedtime, with no laughing.
– Take on a bedtime challenge with the Bedtime Adventure Challenge Book.
– Walk backwards everywhere.
– Try putting on your child’s pajamas while they play deadweight.
– Swap roles and imitate each other.
– Have a stuffed animal count-in competition.
– Imitate animals during the routine.
– Roleplay a historical character.
– Create a ‘YouTube’ video of an epic bedtime routine.
Everyone deserves an ending that reflects the effort put into the day. Recognizing your child’s emotional and developmental needs for connection and play during bedtime with these activities will make for a more peaceful conclusion to the night. Putting your child to bed happy and fulfilled just in time to catch your favorite show? Now that’s a win!
This post has been updated since its original publication in January 2018.
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**About Angela Pruess, LMFT**
Hi! I’m Angela, a Licensed Children’s Mental Health Professional, Positive Parenting coach, and mom to spirited kids. I believe every child deserves their best life, and emotional health is key to long-term success and happiness. Learn more about me and the Parents with Confidence manifesto.
