This post may contain affiliate links. This means, if you make a purchase from a link on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our entire disclaimer here.
It can be difficult to stay on track with your nighttime routines when your kids are still bouncing around their bedroom or splashing around in the bathtub. I like implementing activities and habits in our routines to teach our kids independence for bedtime and to keep everyone on schedule. Find out what type of steps work well as you prepare the little ones for bed with these tips.
Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Consistency helps your little ones create a mental schedule and build habits as the moon rises. I found that having a predictable sequence of events—bath, pajamas, brushing teeth, and story time—keeps them on track and calms the bedtime chaos.
Click Here to Join the Mothering the Storm Facebook Group! An Encouragement Group For Parents who have ADHD and are also caring for an ADHD Child!
Start with visual aids, such as a checklist or pictures, to represent each step of the routine. These give your kids a sense of responsibility while giving you fewer things to repeat every night.
Use a Bedtime Timer
Timers are a great way to indicate the next task in your nighttime routine, especially if you struggle with time blindness near the end of the day. I like to use a timer or a fun app to make bedtime exciting rather than stressful.
For instance, setting a five-minute countdown for bath time wraps things up without a battle. This timing teaches kids to manage their time and creates a sense of urgency without having to nag.
Encourage Decision-Making With Choices
I allow my kids to pick out their pajamas or choose between two bedtime stories for those nights when they need a sense of control. Encouraging decision-making gives your kids the chance to speak their minds and calm down just before bedtime. Limit their options to avoid overwhelming them if you choose to give them a choice.
Set Up Bedtime Triggers
I’ve learned that environmental cues help reinforce independence for bedtime. Soft lighting, calming music, or even spritzing lavender spray can signal it’s time to wind down.
For instance, keeping your kids cozy after bath time with a robe can easily help them transition from the bathroom to the bedroom. These sensory “triggers” create an association between activity and sleep.
Praise Their Efforts
Positive reinforcement works wonders when teaching your kids bedtime independence. Acknowledge your child with verbal encouragement when they brush their teeth without reminders. Praising these small wins builds their confidence and motivates them to take charge of their bedtime routine.
Once you get the little ones situated in bed, be sure to check on them from time to time before you head to bed to make sure they’re sleeping. Soon enough, you can trust them with their bedtime routines, and you won’t have to keep a watchful eye on them. Get some rest at night knowing your children are tucked away and slowly drifting off to sleep.
