Does bedtime turn into an unnecessary fight at your house? You’re not alone! After a long day, we all deserve a chance to recharge. Yet, many families find their nighttime routine the most stressful part of the day. Getting kids to wind down, go to bed—and stay there—can be exhausting, leaving you with hardly a moment to decompress from your own day.

But what if we got our kids to look forward to bedtime instead of dreading it? A quiet and calm evening is not as far-fetched as it sounds. With some planning and effort, you can turn those chaotic nights into peaceful moments of relaxation and connection. 

The secret? It’s all about creating a soothing atmosphere to prepare them for rest. I sleep much better when I have phone-free time, take a warm shower, and read a book before bed. I never have to think about my next step because my routine has become just something I do.

Get your kiddos into the same mindset. Teaching them about routines and habit-building can help get them to bed now and encourage them to establish more routines as they grow.  

Think of your child’s bedtime routine as a set of activities that signal their brain and body that it’s time for sleep. Doing the same things in the same order every night gives kids a predictable pattern to expect. This consistency helps reduce feelings of anxiety and creates a sense of security, especially for children. Studies show that bedtime routines promote healthy sleep habits and benefit a child’s development and well-being in early childhood. 

Begin their routine with enough time so everyone can wind down. There’s nothing worse than rushing your kiddo to bed—that only creates more problems in our house. Dim the lights as a signal that bedtime is soon, and let them choose a calming, screen-free activity like reading, coloring, doing puzzles, or stretching. My 7-year-old son loves to write in his Big Life Journal and listen to the Who Smarted? and Musicland Stories podcasts in his room at night.

A warm bath or shower can be soothing before brushing their teeth and heading to their rooms. For kiddos who still have much to say at bedtime, use this time to catch up. De-stress together by chatting about your days, sharing stories, or discussing whatever comes to mind. 

Remember, a bedtime routine is personal. Find what works best for your kids, and be flexible. Ask them to choose the book, podcast, or music they listen to. The goal is to create a peaceful and predictable transition from the busyness of the day to a restful night’s sleep. 

We’d love to hear about the bedtime routine at your house!

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