4 Evening Routines That Save Your Morning
Bedtime is often one of the most challenging parts of the day. The body is tired, but the brain is racing. By creating a predictable evening routine, you help your child wind down, which not only leads to better sleep but also a much smoother morning.
1. The "Close the Day" Walk Make it a game to "close the day" together. Walk through the house and put away toys, set out shoes, and make sure the backpack is packed. When the environment is ready for tomorrow, it reduces visual stress for the child when they wake up.
2. Eliminate the Clothing Conflict Choosing clothes at 7:15 AM when everyone is tired is a recipe for disaster. Let your child choose between two outfits the night before. Being involved in the decision builds independence, but limited choices keep it from becoming overwhelming.
3. Visual Countdown to Bedtime Verbal warnings like "five minutes left" are often hard for children to grasp. Use visual supports or a timer in the app to show the steps: Pajamas, Brushing Teeth, Reading a Book. When a child can see what’s coming next, the resistance to transitions decreases.
4. Reflection and Positive Closure Before turning out the lights, mention three good things that happened during the day. This lowers stress levels and helps the brain focus on the positive, making it easier to fall into a deep sleep and wake up refreshed.
