How to Organize a Kids Bed Time Routine

You may be asking, why is a kids bed time routine important?

Have you ever had a child argue and fight with you about going to bed? Have you ever struggled with tired children the next day because they wouldn't go to bed on time? Do your children regulalry wake up throughout the night?

By having a regular bedtime routine many sleep problems can be avoided. There are less tears, arguements and issues in getting children into bed. It doesn't completely eliminate the resistance in going to bed but it makes it a lot easier.

Why Set a Kids Bed Time Routine?

The reason why a kids bed time routine works is because all children need boundaries and to know what the expectations are of them. It is what makes them feel safe. They know what they can and can't do in order to be safe and receive their parents’ approval. Above all children want to make you happy and be in a peaceful environment. By making the boundaries and expectations clear and consistent, children respond very positively.

This is not to say that children won’t try to test and push the boundaries. Part of this is to see how secure and strong the boundaries are and how consistent you are going to be. Other reasons are to do with other factors such as lack of sleep, too much sugar or being riled up by well meaning relatives and friends!

The Best Time to Begin the Bedtime Routine

When creating your bedtime routine, it is best to begin about 30 minutes before their bed time. It usually takes this long to help children physically, mentally and emotionally prepare to go to sleep. It means that when you do finally lie them down in their bed they will be more likely to stay there and go to sleep. I know the times when our little boy has repeatedly got up for the extra drink of water or the need to read another story has been because we haven’t followed our normal routine.

Choosing the Bedtime

The best time frame for getting children into bed and preventing sleep problems is between 7 and 8pm. Children need about 12 hours sleep during the night time. You might think they are coping ok with less sleep but you would be surprised at what behaviours and manners may change if they are getting the right amount of sleep during the night.

If your child is going to bed later than this then the best strategy is to still let your child go to bed when they are most likely to fall asleep but bring the time back 5 – 10 minutes each night until they are able to fall asleep at the right time.

An Effective Kids Bed Time Routine Example

The effective bedtime routine I use is:

Give children a warm bath. There is something about the warm water that will help settle children and prepare them for sleep.
A small warm drink of milk 30 minutes before bed time (if not wearing a nappy to bed) or right before bed if they still wear a nappy to bed.
No Television for the last 30 minutes before bed
Get children to go to the toilet and do their teeth. It’s important that children learn the importance of brushing their teeth even from a very early stage.
Read a story or two before bedtime. While children are still young enough to be reading very short books I let each child choose the story they would like. Find a nice cosy quiet place to read together. I like to snuggle up on the bed with them. As a parent I like to choose books that my children love to read but will also help them learn. Check out these ideal books for children!
Sing a song and say prayers together. There is something very precious about hearing your little one ask God to look after Aunty June with her sore leg and to help him get to see his best friend Will on Saturday! Check out these lullaby ideas that are great for children to learn.
Have a set time that you put your children to bed and try to keep to it as best you can

The more consistent you are, the more relaxed your children will be and the easier they will go to sleep. Obviously the steps in your bedtime routine are up to you. You will notice from my example above though that the routine should contain activities that are low energy and help prepare children and babies to go to sleep.

Kids Bed Time Helpful Resources

Audio Sleep Solutions - In Just 35 Minutes This Audio Program Teaches You How To Get Your Baby To Sleep Through The Night Every Night - 100% Guaranteed. Ideal For Parents Whose Toddler Or Infant Has Sleep Problems.

Sleepytime Secrects - A step-by-step guide to learning how to get your children to sleep and how to correct sleep problems that have already developed.

All the best in developing your own kids bed time routine. If you have any other ideas that have worked for you, I would love to hear them.

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