Explore soothing activities to simplify bedtime with your kids and learn effective ways to connect and bring calmness at the end of the day. These enjoyable and gentle bedtime routines are designed to ease your children into a peaceful night’s sleep without any resistance.
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There’s nothing quite like cozy pajamas with tiny toes peeking out, reading stories filled with adventure, and snuggling under warm blankets. Sounds dreamy, right?
Why then, do some nights feel less like a fairy tale and more like a nightmare when it comes to putting kids to bed?
I know the feeling.
By the end of the night, I’m wiped out, ready to just collapse. By 7:30 pm, after endless tasks like zipping up snow pants, cleaning the kitchen (again), and giving piggyback rides to my 60-pound kids, my eyelids feel unbearably heavy. Then comes the final transition of the day that, upon completion, grants me a few precious hours of peace.
Bedtime.
In my mind, I keep telling myself, “I think I can, I think I can…” like the Little Engine that Could. But honestly, without raising my voice, nagging, or losing patience, I struggle.
After giving my all to create a wonderful day for my family, especially with a strong-willed child, it seems a shame to end the night on a sour note. I know that the moments before sleep can linger with my children through the night and into the next day. Plus, bedtime offers a special opportunity to bond quietly with them. However, my kids just don’t listen.
Thinking about why bedtime becomes stressful, it makes sense: I’m not the only one who’s tired.
“Alright kids, time to stop playing and head to bed!”
*Silence*
They’ve spent the day listening, learning, and playing, and by bedtime, more instructions are simply too much for them. They likely feel as I do when I’m pulled from relaxation—I don’t want the calm to end!
I understand, but I also know that getting enough rest is essential for them to behave well and feel good. So, how can I motivate them to embrace the bedtime routine and listen, while respecting their downtime too?
More importantly, how do we end the night with warmth and love, rather than frustration?
We know that a close connection is the most effective way to encourage cooperation in children. Bedtime, marking the longest separation from parents, can be anxiety-inducing. On days with little connection, children might feel stressed as their need for closeness isn’t fully met.
Play, being a critical stress-reliever and a communication tool for kids, promotes fun, creativity, and laughter. These elements are proven to help calm children.
I realized I needed a change—from barking orders to using fun, creativity, and connection—leading to a smoother bedtime, reducing anxiety.
Here’s a list of bedtime activities to ease the transition:
1. Let each other pick pajamas, and put them on together.
2. Host a family toothbrushing party with music and dance.
3. Share five favorite things about your child.
4. Create bedtime stories starring family members as characters.
5. Try wheelbarrow walking through routines.
6. Play ‘Simon Says’ while getting ready for bed.
7. Talk only by singing.
8. Read a story using funny voices.
9. Invent knock-knock jokes together.
10. Communicate through gestures and signals only.
11. Choose the wildest pajamas possible.
12. Stay completely serious; no laughing allowed.
13. Explore the Bedtime Adventure Challenge Book for fun.
14. Walk backward everywhere.
15. Dress your child’s limp, playful ‘deadweight’ body.
16. Swap roles and pretend to be each other.
17. See how many stuffed animals fit in bed.
18. Imitate chosen animals throughout the routine.
19. Pretend to be historical figures.
20. Record a ‘YouTube’ video on having a great bedtime.
As we all wind down after a day’s efforts, this time should reflect warmth and connection. Meeting your child’s needs through these playful and engaging activities will not only simplify bedtime but reaffirm your bond, ending the day with peace and love.
There’s nothing like tucking your child in happily, just in time for a little ‘me’ time with your favorite show.
This post also offers a free printable list of calming strategies, because we know how tired you can be—let’s make bedtime easier!
For more on improving bedtime:
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About Angela Pruess, LMFT: I’m Angela, a Licensed Children’s Mental Health Professional and Positive Parenting coach, growing alongside my spirited kids. I believe every child should live their best life, with emotional well-being as the key to lifelong happiness. Learn more about me and the Parents with Confidence philosophy.
