Our Bedtime Routine
SLEEPING ON PURPOSE
TITLE: The Ultimate Bedtime Routine for Kids: How We Get Our Boys to Bed
The Nighttime Challenge: As a parent, I've been inundated with requests to share the secret sauce behind our bedtime routine. With two energetic boys, Ezra and Jeremiah, sharing a room, our approach has been a blend of structure and fun. While our routine is tailored to our family dynamics, I believe the core principles can be adapted to fit any household. So, if you're navigating the bedtime battle, read on for some tried-and-tested strategies that might just transform your evenings.
Pre-Bedtime Prep: It's all about timing. If bedtime is at 7:30 PM, the wind-down process starts around 6:30 to 6:45 PM. This buffer is crucial for easing the transition from day to night, ensuring both you and your little ones have ample time to shift gears.
Step 1: Establish a Cue: For us, the journey to dreamland begins with a shower. It's a clear signal that the day is ending. Post-shower, it's straight to the bedroom - no detours. This boundary helps reinforce that post-shower time is for calming down, not ramping up.
Step 2: Create a Calming Environment: Once in their room, we dim the lights to a cozy level and introduce white noise. This sensory adjustment signals to their brains that it's time to wind down, setting the stage for a peaceful night.
Step 3: Quality Time: This is the heart of our routine. My husband and I engage in quiet play, reading, or puzzles with our boys. It's a special time reserved for laughter, bonding, and creating joyful memories.
Step 4: The Countdown: We use the clock as a gentle reminder of what's coming next. For Ezra, understanding the clock's cues helps him prepare for the next steps. Even Jeremiah, though too young to read time, senses the routine's progression.
Step 5: Final Wind-Down: With a nod to independence, we allow the boys to choose their bedtime story. This "choice within limits" strategy empowers them while keeping the routine on track. Post-story, it's into their sleeping bags, which serves as another layer of calming down.
The Tuck-In: Our tuck-in ritual involves a 10-second hug, a prayer, and a sprinkle of laughter - a magical blend of love, comfort, and joy. We've found that ending on a high note with giggles does wonders for their sleep quality.
Secrets and Clocks: Before saying goodnight, we indulge in sharing 'secrets' - a silly, endearing moment that seals our routine with smiles. The toddler clock then signals "lights out," reinforcing the time to sleep.
Reflections and Adjustments: This routine, while detailed, is fluid. We tweak it as our boys grow and their needs change. What remains constant is the structure, warmth, and joy it brings to our evenings.
Until Next Time: Remember, the goal is not just to usher our kids into sleep but to fill their sails with love and security as they drift off to dreamland. Sweet dreams and good night – until we open our eyes to a new day's adventures.
Get Your Child to Sleep Through the Night Quickly and Easily Without Fuss, Tears, or Frustration
(From You or Your Child!)
Sleeping On Purpose
By: Ruth Tai
