Sleep is REALLY important for good health. The amount and quality of sleep matters. Setting up bedtime routines is beneficial for both children and their parents. Here are some ideas for setting up the best bedtime routines for your family.

Personal Story

As bedtime for my children approached, I was exhausted. My husband traveled Monday – Thursday. I home educated my children and kept up with running our household in his absence. I needed to get my children to bed, so I could recharge for the next day. There was a strong temptation at the end of a long day to hurry them off to bed and forget our routine, “just this one time”. However, I treasured our nightly Bible story, prayer, and connection time. I was careful not to deviate from our bedtime routine very often. Our fun times of cuddling, telling stories, talking, and praying together are special memories for both my grown children and me.

Personal Bedtime Routines

Parents are responsible to see that their young children are getting enough sleep. Making bedtime routines makes it easier for everyone in the family to get to bed so they can get the rest they need. As children get older, they can become more accountable to go through a bedtime routine on their own. Parents can “work themselves out of a job” as the child gets into middle and high school. When they are college age, they need to know how to manage their time and get enough rest to stay healthy.

Children Sleep needs

Sleep needs vary according to the child’s age. Please see my Blog 22: Important Tactics to Improve Family Sleep Habits for specific time recommendations.

Children’s Best Bedtime Routines

Training children to have good bedtime routines takes parental prompting and child cooperation.

• Have children turn off electronics an hour before bed.
• Encourage reading, art, soft music, or quiet games for the hour before bed.
• Set a timer for a specific time to remind children it will be time to get ready for bed soon.
• Work together to put things away for a few minutes each evening.
• Do evening hygiene: bathe, brush teeth and hair, and straighten bathroom.
• Read a story together, talk about the day, and pray together.
• Encourage the children to go to sleep at the same time each night.

Being consistent is a key for success.

Evening Routines Also Help Parents

Setting up a relaxing bedtime routine can help parents get more sleep.

• Put a time limit on doing evening chores.
• Prioritize the chores: fix dinner, do dishes, prepare lunches. Start a load of laundry. Limit the number of things you tackle each evening.
• Focus on family togetherness.
• Set an alarm to encourage going to bed at a consistent time.
• Spend a few minutes putting things away where they belong.
• Devote some time to relax and evaluate the day.
• Attempt to go to sleep at the same time each night.

Take time to figure out the best routines for your family. You’ll be glad you did!

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Please encourage others by writing about your family bedtime routines in the comment section above.