5 Expert Ways to Help Your Child Wind Down Before Bedtime

It’s no secret kids have a lot of energy. With so much excitement during their day, it can be hard to get them settled down to sleep at bedtime. However, adequate sleep is crucial for child development, so finding a bedtime routine that works is important. 

Here are a few ideas for parents and caregivers wondering how to wind down before bed with their kids. 

1: Read a Book

Children’s bedtime stories are a tried-and-true way to get kids to settle down at the end of the day. Reading a book aloud forces them to concentrate on one thing, which can center them and quell their energy. Look for a book that’s light and fun, or even one that centers on bedtime and sleeping.

Books can also be an effective tool to coax little ones into bed. They know that once they pick a story, it’s time to lie down, listen, and go to bed. If reading a physical book is too distracting, you can also try an audiobook. No matter what form you choose, children’s bedtime stories have been an effective tool for getting kids to sleep for years.

2: Keep a Consistent Schedule

Keeping a schedule is important for kids throughout the day, especially at night. If they aren’t going to bed at a consistent time, it can be harder to get them to wind down at the end of the day. While kids may not be watching the clock, they are receptive and can pick up on inconsistencies in their schedules.

Try to pick a bedtime and stick to it. It’s okay to deviate a little, but try to avoid a deviation of more than a half-hour or so.

3: Listen to Soothing Music

Soft, soothing music has been used by people of all ages for years to encourage sleep. There are even apps with pre-selected music that’s appropriate for bedtime. You can try playing the music as your child is getting ready for bed to signal that it’s time to settle down.

You can also sing along with the music to soothe your child to sleep. Many music players have timers that you can set so that the music turns off after your little one falls asleep. For some kids, simple music works like a charm to get them to bed.

4: Meditation

It may not seem like it at the time, but your child will be just fine if you put them somewhere safe and give yourself a short break in order to gather yourself and let the panic pass. 

This sort of advice for new parents often feels counterintuitive, but if you’re able to give yourself a moment to clear your head and calm down, you’re more than likely going to return with a more effective approach to solving the problem.

5: Limit Electronics

Electronics can be a valuable tool in a child’s life. Things like educational games, shows, and digital learning have many benefits. However, too much screen time close to bed can make it more difficult for kids to wind down. 

In addition, it might take a while to pry their favorite game or video out of their hands. Try to phase out screen time at least an hour before bed and focus on a different activity.

Find Bedtime Resources with Northwest NC Families

While some kids have no trouble with bedtime, that’s not true for every family. If you’ve tried many strategies and still aren’t sure how to wind down before bed, you can seek support from a local Triple P Provider through Northwest NC Families. 

Connect with a provider on the Northwest NC Families website today.