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Creating A Relaxing Bedtime Routine for Kids

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Bedtime can be one of the most hectic times of day, even though it’s supposed to be one of the most relaxing! I talk about sleep a lot around here because having a child that calmly and willingly goes to bed is important and can make your whole day better. When you spend the last few hours of your night fighting your kids to please go to bed, it makes for an exhausting end. If you have a little one that is like so many others and hates going to sleep, here is a new bedtime routine to try so you can reclaim bedtime!

calm bedtime pint

Creating A Relaxing Bedtime Routine for Kids

1. Read A Story. But Not Just Any Story. The New York Times bestseller, The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep can make a huge difference in your kids’ willingness to go to sleep. This isn’t just your average bedtime story, this story uses a distinct language pattern that helps your kids fall asleep. The words in the book encourage you to slow down, relax your muscles and let your eyelids get heavy. The story is exciting enough to keep you entertained, but not so action-packed that you’re over-stimulated. I’ve been saying this book is genius since the day it came out and I really believe that.

Creating A Relaxing Bedtime Routine for Kids

2. Calming Noise. I know the idea of a sound machine usually relates to a newborn baby, but I think calming noise is important for a child of any age. White noise is especially soothing, but the soft sounds of waves or rivers may work well for your children, too. I don’t like anything with actual words in it though, as I feel like it distracts and makes you focus on the music, rather than it just being a comforting background.

3. Unwind Time. It seems so obvious that having time to unwind in the evening is necessary to being able to settle down. However, we often don’t do it. The kids are still playing with toys or using electronic devices minutes before bed. I have found that having about 20-30 minutes of calmness where the lights are off and things are quiet can make a big difference in how ready they are to go to bed. This is the perfect time to read The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep.

4. A Feeling of Security. I have just noticed this recently; when my kids have some time to sit close to me or on my lap they have an easier time transitioning to bed. Here is my theory: sitting with a parent or care-giver helps them to feel secure, safe and loved which is sometimes the exact opposite of how they feel when they go to bed alone. Giving them this time before bed reminds them that they are safe.

 

Liz Nieman

Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.

loveandmarriageblog.com

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By Liz Nieman

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  1. Amanda says

    November 20, 2015 at 9:30 am

    I have always been very lucky with bedtime rituals with Matthew. One thing i used to do with him when he was really little was played classical music, didnt know anything about the sound machine at that time lol. But I really think this post offers great advice to those parents who may have kids who don’t want to sleep.

    Reply
  2. Erika says

    November 20, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    We try to do calming things leading up to bedtime- baths, stories, songs, etc. It helps a lot.

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  3. heather says

    November 20, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    We always stick to a routine bath time, stories and then quiet.

    Reply
  4. Elena says

    November 20, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    I like to turn on some relaxing music that helps my child fall asleep

    Reply
  5. Mami2jcn says

    November 20, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    We use a white noise machine and rock to sleep.

    Reply
  6. Mami2jcn says

    November 20, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/667803771590852608

    Reply
  7. Natalie says

    November 20, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    We shut off the TV at least an hour before bed, play classical music and I read a bedtime story. It works every time!

    Reply
  8. Natalie says

    November 20, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/667880620752662528

    Reply
  9. Lisa Brown says

    November 21, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    We would read to our kids before bed and sit in the room a while, if they were having problems with the room being too dark or they were feeling unsure or insecure. Just having one of us in the room, helped them fall sleep. Some classical music, also helped to get them to relax.

    Reply
  10. Lisa Brown says

    November 21, 2015 at 1:24 pm

    tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/668147897557368832

    Reply
  11. Madeline says

    November 21, 2015 at 3:21 pm

    Lately we’ve been using a humidifier with a nightlight inside and our child likes that to help fall asleep (the noise and the light). We also always read to her each night.

    Reply
  12. Madeline says

    November 21, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/668177711559503872

    Reply
  13. OFG says

    November 21, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    A warm bath seems to help, followed by three books and a few stories about our day.

    Reply
  14. OFG says

    November 21, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/668283906140069888

    Reply
  15. Ellie Wright says

    November 21, 2015 at 11:23 pm

    My 7 year old still has night terrors sometimes. and usually someone has to lay with him until he falls asleep.

    Reply
  16. Ellie Wright says

    November 21, 2015 at 11:24 pm

    tweeted

    https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/668298460689399809

    Reply
  17. carol clark says

    November 22, 2015 at 12:38 am

    my 9 year old usually takes a hot shower or bath for like 45 minutes and then hes out like a light bulb so that works for me

    Reply
  18. Amy Tong says

    November 22, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    My bedtime nightmare is when the kids are not feeling well! Yes, that means I can’t really get a good rest. My remedies for putting a child to sleep is reading books and singing songs before bed. We love those quiet time together.

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Reply
  19. Amy Tong says

    November 22, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/668620050970968066

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Reply
  20. Jessie C. says

    November 23, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    My bedtime nightmare is when kids don’t sleep through the night. Bedtime story routine helps to put my kids to sleep.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply
  21. Jessie C. says

    November 23, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/668872584897761280

    Reply
  22. Natalie says

    November 23, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    My Kai is turning three December 19th 🙂 we still haven’t gotten bedtime down pat all the way. Some nights it’s easy… When she skips a daytime nap and is literally exhausted. No problem then! Out like a light. Some nights it’s harder. My bedtime nightmare is when she ends up crying and histerically throwing a fit because “she does not want to go to bed.” Hurts my heart. This is rare though. Usually, she just gets back up multiple times a turns the light back on and plays after I leave the room… Then when bored of that, opens the door and the requests begin… snacks, more water, milk, etc. it’s not so bad. I don’t mind a few final requests, But definitely cuts into my time with hubby, and really becomes a nightmare when it goes on and on and on til late.

    Reply
  23. Elle says

    November 24, 2015 at 10:41 am

    Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/669194160818155520

    Reply
  24. Elle says

    November 24, 2015 at 10:43 am

    I have a lot of bedtime nightmare problems during the summer when it’s still very light out outside during bedtime.

    Reply
  25. rachel says

    November 24, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    A good routine helps my toddler! My newborn….that’s a whole other story 😉

    Reply
  26. Elena says

    November 24, 2015 at 5:03 pm

    the correct tweet https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/669289932192518144

    Reply
  27. latanya says

    November 24, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    we stick to our routine of bath, story, song, and kiss goodnight

    Reply
  28. latanya says

    November 24, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/669305663277760512

    Reply
  29. Lisa says

    November 25, 2015 at 12:30 am

    The remedies I use for putting a child to sleep are reading a story before bed and using a white noise machine.

    Reply
  30. Jeffrey says

    November 25, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    Our oldest son was very difficult to put down at night, seemed as though he felt alone. We battled for a long time and finally won! Our routine consisted of a snack, warm bath and a bedtime story. It worked and we used it when the second bugger came along!

    Reply
  31. Jeffrey says

    November 25, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    I shared on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/669623259156103168.

    Reply
  32. D Schmidt says

    November 26, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    I am pleased to say bedtime in my household is not a nightmare usually, only when my children are sick can it become challenging. My best tip is to have a set bedtime routine and stick to it.

    Reply
  33. Rebecca Graham says

    November 29, 2015 at 2:17 am

    Reading before bedtime helps to make bedtime easier.

    Reply
  34. Donna Marchlewski says

    November 29, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    I own this book. It is excellent! No nightmares

    Reply
  35. BusyWorkingMama says

    November 30, 2015 at 10:20 am

    My daughter loves to read before bed. She also likes to have a “sound machine” that makes some white noise in the room.

    Reply
  36. Margot C says

    December 1, 2015 at 12:19 am

    I don’t really have nightmare kids bedtime stories, but I come from a long line of very bookish people and bedtime reading is not a new concept for us. We are capable of reading as many as 5 books (or for older kids chapters from longer books) before lights go out. Nobody gets too stressed. We also don’t watch tv, ever (that’s right, not at all – some streaming, movie DVDs, that’s it) not just kids, nobody – you have no idea how it changes your life.

    Reply
  37. Margot C says

    December 1, 2015 at 12:20 am

    I posted a tweet too: https://twitter.com/AnnaZed/status/671573357012234240

    Reply
  38. maria cantu says

    December 3, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    No nightmare here, reading at bedtime works for us.

    Reply
  39. tina m says

    December 3, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    we started our bedtime training when my son was 4 months. he cried for an hour!!! We have a bedtime routine now. Dinner, bath ,story time and bed time, my son goes to bed at 8 every day!

    Reply
  40. tina m says

    December 3, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/672597482875052032

    Reply
  41. CR Williams says

    December 3, 2015 at 10:07 pm

    my remedy is to limit screen time at least a few minuted before bed.

    Reply
  42. CR Williams says

    December 3, 2015 at 10:08 pm

    tweeted https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/672628326624681984

    Reply
  43. Gina M says

    December 5, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    Bedtime is not too bad at our house. We start with a bath, and that really calms him down.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com

    Reply
  44. Gina M says

    December 5, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/673226791478272000

    Reply
  45. Rebecca says

    December 5, 2015 at 9:23 pm

    I think a consistent bedtime and bath before bed really helps my kids sleep well.

    Reply
  46. Rebecca says

    December 5, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    https://mobile.twitter.com/michael64263870/status/673342036087603200

    Reply
  47. Susan Smith says

    December 6, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    We take a bath, read and listen to music before bedtime.

    Reply
  48. Susan Smith says

    December 6, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/673705560798322688

    Please delete the previous tweet.

    Reply
  49. Kristen says

    December 8, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    We just do a normal routine….teeth, pjs, book, nightlight…bedtime. 🙂

    Reply
  50. Kristen says

    December 8, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/674367631802040320

    Reply
  51. erica best says

    December 10, 2015 at 11:35 pm

    bath time works

    Reply
  52. erica best says

    December 10, 2015 at 11:36 pm

    https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/675183028231081984

    Reply
  53. Betty C says

    December 13, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    My children are all adults now but I remember some very difficult nights. I found that when I eliminated daytime naps it was much easier for them to fall asleep at night.

    Reply
  54. Betty C says

    December 13, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/676138616825901056

    Reply
  55. Stephanie Phelps says

    December 13, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    We use to have a horrible time of the kids getting up over and over again but now we have a routine we stick to and that is a nice bath with lavender and then story time usually is all it takes!

    Reply
  56. Stephanie Phelps says

    December 13, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/676140110988124160

    Reply
  57. Linda C. says

    December 13, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    A warm, soothing bath right before bed always helped us.

    Reply
  58. Linda C. says

    December 13, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    Tweeted https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/676163001876094976

    Reply
  59. Shawn Gallagher says

    December 13, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    Letting them run around and get tired themselves before bedtime

    Reply
  60. Shawn Gallagher says

    December 13, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    https://twitter.com/Esham4life/status/676206243254419458

    Reply
  61. debbie says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:01 pm

    Our kids are grown now but bedtime was always very consistent and really without too much trauma! We had a very established routine that always included reading.

    Reply
  62. debbie says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    https://twitter.com/suburbsanity/status/676598231703375873

    Reply
  63. whitney lindeman says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    My hubby and dog are so loud & twitchy at night, and I’m a very light sleeper! I use lavender and Peace & Calming in a diffuser along with nature sounds to help me get into a deeper sleep.

    Reply
  64. whitney lindeman says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:58 pm

    Tweeted! 🙂
    https://twitter.com/WhitSweeps/status/676611997027307521

    Reply
  65. Julie Wood says

    December 15, 2015 at 9:59 am

    I read books to my daughter to help her go to sleep, and she can not drink a lot of water before bed because she is always wanting to go to the bathroom. We also turn off the TV early so it does not bother her.

    Reply
  66. Julie Wood says

    December 15, 2015 at 10:00 am

    tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/676793939588984832

    Reply
  67. Kerry says

    December 15, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    Our 2 month old is already fighting sleep! A bath does help her sometimes.

    Reply
  68. Kerry says

    December 15, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/676847284294955008

    Reply
  69. Amanda Sakovitz says

    December 15, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    I find singing helps.

    Reply
  70. Amanda Sakovitz says

    December 15, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/aes529/status/676868374861758468

    Reply
  71. ELIZA ELLIOT says

    December 15, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    We wind down the activites of the house so things start to calm down

    Reply
  72. ELIZA ELLIOT says

    December 15, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/676932821722791936

    Reply
  73. Seyma Shabbir says

    December 15, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    Bedtime is a nightmare for me and my 2 sons. I set a routine but the kids fight it and hubby does not help.

    Reply
    • Seyma Shabbir says

      December 15, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      I find turning off all tv, noises, distractions help. But my hubby is the distraction LOL

      Reply
  74. Seyma Shabbir says

    December 15, 2015 at 9:07 pm

    https://twitter.com/SeymaShabbir/status/676961799296720896

    Reply
  75. Tamara says

    December 15, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    I always kept my kids calm and quiet for the last hour before bed, and reading a story aloud always helped them to sleep too.

    Reply
  76. Tamara says

    December 15, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/676987163842633728

    Reply
  77. Denise L says

    December 15, 2015 at 10:54 pm

    The Sleep Sheep by Cloud B was very effective when my son was little. It’s a great baby shower gift!

    Reply
  78. Denise L says

    December 15, 2015 at 10:55 pm

    tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/676988439435325440

    Reply
  79. Thomas Murphy says

    December 15, 2015 at 11:02 pm

    I read my son a story to get him to sleep.

    Reply
  80. Thomas Murphy says

    December 15, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/676990979778486273

    Reply
  81. Jerry Marquardt says

    December 16, 2015 at 3:47 am

    I hate those tornado dreams. I’ve used a fan to help drown out sound, and make it easier for them to go to sleep.

    Reply
  82. Jerry Marquardt says

    December 16, 2015 at 3:48 am

    I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/677062666683158529

    Reply
  83. Kathryn C says

    December 16, 2015 at 10:06 am

    #SweepstakesEntry- comment

    my only real bedtime nightmare is when dogs in the neighborhood are left outside to bark and bark and bark all night- can’t really control that except to turn the white noise machine full blast

    Kathryn C

    Reply
  84. Kathryn C says

    December 16, 2015 at 10:07 am

    #SweepstakesEntry – tweet:

    https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/677158089959804928

    Kathryn C

    Reply
  85. angie says

    December 16, 2015 at 11:14 am

    I don’t have children but I remember that, when I was a kid, my mom set a strict bedtime hour and there was no budging on that, ever. She also made me sleep with the door open, so she could make sure I wasn’t in there playing. hahahah!

    Reply
  86. angie says

    December 16, 2015 at 11:14 am

    I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/677174198020780032

    Reply
  87. Karine Traverse says

    December 16, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Reading together or snuggling up to watch a movie or tv show

    Reply
  88. Karine Traverse says

    December 16, 2015 at 11:43 am

    Tweeted https://mobile.twitter.com/SAHMofDQ/status/677181767661584384

    Reply
  89. Tabathia B says

    December 16, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    Sometimes to ward off nightmares I use a night light for her to be comfortable

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  90. Tabathia B says

    December 16, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/677186709751222273

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  91. sandra says

    December 16, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    dim lighting and music

    Reply
  92. Kathryn C says

    December 16, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    please disregard my earlier tweet- here is corrected tweet: thank you!

    #SweepstakesEntry tweet:

    https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/677281487767605248

    Kathryn C

    Reply
  93. WHITNEY says

    December 16, 2015 at 6:41 pm

    I use soft tranquil music and it always helps kids to go to sleep.

    Reply
  94. WHITNEY says

    December 16, 2015 at 6:42 pm

    I sent out a tweet: https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/677287709191213056

    Reply
  95. Barbara M says

    December 16, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    We always had quiet time an hour before bedtime.
    And we would read to the kids – that always worked for us.
    thank you

    Reply
  96. Barbara M says

    December 16, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/677288139547889664

    Reply
  97. Sarah L says

    December 16, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    No kids, so no remedies.
    Thanks for the contest.

    Reply
  98. Sarah L says

    December 16, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    https://twitter.com/slehan/status/677290932589355008

    Reply
  99. Tamar Blanco says

    February 25, 2016 at 1:58 am

    Warm milk and prayers

    Reply
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