Bedtime routine for kids: steps for calmer nights

Why a bedtime routine helps

Doing the same steps each night tells your child's body and mind that sleep is coming. It also cuts down on the "just five more minutes" negotiations.

What a good bedtime routine includes

Start 30 to 45 minutes before lights out and move from active to calm:

• ✓Tidy up toys
• ✓Bath or shower
• ✓Pajamas on
• ✓Brush teeth
• ✓Read a story together
• ✓Lights out

Keep it consistent

Same time, same order, every night, including most weekends. Turn screens off at the start of the routine, not the end.

Let older kids own their routine: they check off each step themselves, and you only step in for the story and goodnight.

Set it up in Houtine

1. 1

   Create a routine called Bedtime with a start time 30 to 45 minutes before lights out.

2. 2

   Add the steps in order and choose the days and points.

3. 3

   Your child checks off each step on their phone or tablet, or by voice with Alexa.

4. 4

   Approve the routine when it's done; the points add up to rewards.

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Create and edit a routine for your kids

Build the daily steps your kids follow, like getting ready for school: name, time, points, days and who does it. Then put the steps in order and change them any time.

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Questions parents ask