By: Jessica Harper
Bedtime can be a double-edged sword—sometimes a smooth sail into sweet dreams, and other times a chaotic struggle filled with tantrums and pleas for “just five more minutes.” Just when you think you’ve mastered the art of bedtime, it can flip your routine on its head. If your evening wind-down has become a battleground, fear not! Here’s a straightforward 13-step guide to achieving a seamless bedtime routine.
- Start Early: Begin your evening preparations around 5 p.m. Just as you know leaving for an outing takes longer than expected, getting ready for bedtime also requires ample time.
- Outline the Evening Plan: Clearly state the agenda to your children: dinner, playtime, bath, teeth brushing, storytime, and bed. Repeat this plan like a mantra to keep it fresh in their minds.
- Observe Their Play: Watch as they become engrossed in their play. Anticipate the moment they will transition from fun to bedtime mode.
- Gather Everyone for Dinner: Get the kids to the dinner table without distractions. Channel your inner mama bear and guide them firmly but lovingly.
- Skip the Dessert Guilt: Ignore the parenting advice against using dessert as a motivator. You know what works for your family, so stick to your guns during dinner.
- Set Bite Limits: Once dinner takes a turn—whether it leads to laughter or tears—tell them they only need to finish a set number of bites before they can leave the table.
- Transition to Bath Time: Evade their dessert inquiries by announcing bath time. Hold your breath, waiting for their reactions, and remember that uncertainty can lead to prayer.
- Pour Yourself a Glass of Wine: Embrace the reality of parenting with a glass of wine in hand. It’s a way to cope with the ups and downs of the night.
- Regain Your Energy: Put on some light TV while you gather your strength for the upcoming challenges. Screens can be a brief respite for you.
- Announce Teeth Brushing: Encourage them with “the quicker you start, the quicker you’re done.” It’s a lesson in patience that they might appreciate later in life.
- Celebrate Dessert Time: They certainly won’t forget the promise of dessert, even after a long teeth-brushing saga. Stand firm; they will adapt.
- Opt for a Healthy Snack: If you give in, choose a nutritious option instead of sweets. Remember that while fruit can be a satisfying treat, it doesn’t hold a candle to cookies.
- Storytime Selection: Let them choose any story they want, as long as it’s just one. This small act of choice can make a big difference in their bedtime experience.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully guided everyone to sleep!
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Summary
Establishing a bedtime routine can be a challenge, but by following these 13 steps, you can create a smoother transition for your children at night. From starting early to allowing them to choose a story, these tips will help you navigate the evening chaos with confidence.