This can be one of the hardest times of the day! I need a drink, I want another hug, it’s too dark, the list goes on! Can’t it ever be a simple experience? Well, in all honesty probably not! However, it can be made a little easier.
Kids Bedtime Routine Chart
When my daughter was about 4, she started having night terrors. This consists of going to sleep, waking up (but not actually being awake) screaming for hours on end for no reason. There is kicking, crying, shouting, and then some! Typically it lasts a few weeks and then they grow out of it. That’s about when she started to not want to go to bed on her own. Well, mom had to get creative. There are many ways we can bribe, persuade, and plead these kids to go to sleep, but some kids just ain’t gonna listen!
We made a bedtime routine chart. I actually made magnets and they stuck to a magnetic board and we set it up in the bathroom on the counter. Usually bedtime started with going potty. Our bedtime routine was simple steps and it ended with hugs and kisses. Obviously each household is different but ours was:
1.) Go Potty
2.) Wash hands
3.) Brush teeth
4.) Put on pajamas
5.) Read story
6.) Hugs and kisses
So each of those things were on a magnet. When she completed one she got to take it off and put it into a little basket. The next morning I would assemble them all back onto the board. This gives them something to accomplish and look forward to.
All kids are different, but finding fun things for bedtime can help and maybe even speed up the process! Use your imagination and your routines and get creative!
More bedtime tips are just a click from here!
Gardening with Giggles! 