We conquered the morning madness in Part 1, mamas (and dads) – but the battle for a smooth-running household continues! Now, let’s tackle those sometimes-dreaded evening routines.
Remember, a well-established evening routine is like a magic spell – it helps transition your little whirlwinds from high-octane play to a calm and restful state, paving the way for a peaceful night’s sleep (fingers crossed!). Just like mornings, though, routines need to adapt as your kids grow. Here’s how to create winning evening routines for each age group:
The Mighty Minis (Ages 2-4):
These little bundles of energy need a calming and consistent routine to wind down. Here’s what a winning evening routine might look like:
- Bath Time Bliss: Bath time is a must for these little mud monsters. Make it fun with bath toys, bubbles, or even a sing-along! Keep it short and sweet to avoid overstimulation. And, we learned with Jack that this is the best place to learn letters of all things. With those little foam pieces floating around, a quick game of “Can you find the A?!” is always a hit.
- Pajama Party: After bath time, it’s time for cozy PJs and a calming activity. We have limited screen time in our home, so we start this at a young age. Wind down for us includes quiet reading, snuggling with a stuffed animal, or listening to soothing music, not TV.
- Lights Out, Sweet Dreams: Establish a consistent bedtime and stick to it as much as possible. Create a calming bedtime ritual – ours includes some gentle rocking in Jack’s room, snuggling with Mama “last time”, then a single kiss as I lay him down and tuck his Mickey Mouse under his arm.
Top Tips for Mighty Minis:
- Dim the Lights: As bath time approaches, dim the lights in the house to signal that it’s time to wind down.
- Be Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to bedtime routines. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be for your little one to adjust and fall asleep. This is key when starting a routine or creating a new one. It’s rough in the beginning but stick with it and your little one will get used to it sooner rather than later.
The Preschool Posse (Ages 4-6):
These little guys have a bit more imagination (and sometimes, resistance) when it comes to bedtime. Here’s how to adapt our evening routine:
- Quiet Time Activities: Introduce some quiet time activities before bedtime. This could be reading books, drawing pictures, or doing puzzles. We rotate in game nights including Candy Land or Zingo (Amazon Link) to ensure we are having fun without it getting too wild.
- The Power of Choice: Offer them a choice of two calming activities, giving them a sense of control over their bedtime routine. Having choices about activities lessens their need to gain control over the actual time they are to get into bed.
- The Potty Patrol: A quick trip to the potty before bed can help prevent nighttime accidents. And it helps them fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
Top Tips for the Preschool Posse:
- Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Designate a special space for quiet reading or snuggling with stuffed animals. This creates a positive association with bedtime. We are very careful to create this space NOT in their rooms. We keep their bedrooms for sleeping only, so once they do climb into bed, they only associate it with bedtime, not play time or reading time.
- Involve Them: Allow them to pick out their pajamas or choose a bedtime story. This fosters a sense of ownership and makes them more likely to cooperate. And it continues on with getting the to control the activity, not the bedtime.
- Set Limits: Be clear about bedtime expectations and the consequences of not meeting them. Whether it’s losing out on their favorite toy the following day or having to go to bed earlier the following night, they have to understand that staying awake tonight, means missing out tomorrow.
The Elementary Einsteins (Ages 7-10):
These little Einsteins crave independence, and bedtime routines need to reflect that. Here’s how to establish a routine that works for both of you:
- The Power of Planning: Encourage them to plan their outfits for the next day and pack their schoolbags to avoid last-minute scrambles.
- Wind-Down Activities: Let them choose a calming wind-down activity – reading, journaling, or listening to relaxing music. We let them choose to do their activity together, like reading aloud, or alone, like listening to their favorite song.
- Still Keep Those Limits: While your preschoolers may whine to get out of bedtime, this older bunch will claim it’s time for a potty trip, I need water, and just about anything else to delay the inevitable. We utilize the same car rule with bedtime too: for everyone minute you aren’t in your bed after bedtime, it’s a minute you’ll go to bed earlier the following night. It works!
Top Tips for the Elementary Einsteins:
- Open Communication: Talk to them about the importance of sleep and how a good bedtime routine can help them feel their best.
- Be Flexible: Allow some wiggle room within the routine. On the weekends, we give them a later bedtime (30 minutes) and they look forward to it all week but still go to bed when it’s time.
- Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge their efforts to stick to the routine and celebrate their successes. Being great all week may mean an extra game night the following week or earning a later weekend bedtime one day as a bonus.
The Bottom Line:
The real power of evening routines goes beyond simply getting your kids to sleep. A consistent and calming bedtime routine creates a sense of security and predictability for your kids. This, in turn, fosters emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, and improves their overall well-being. Think of it as an investment in their development, not just a way to get them to sleep!
In Part 3, we’ll tackle the ever-changing beast – summer routines and how to navigate them with minimal meltdowns (hopefully!). Stay tuned!