6 Practical Systems to Transform Your Evening and Bedtime Routines

I don’t know about you, but for me, one of the biggest sources of stress can be simply getting through the end of the day. You know, that time when all you want to do is fast-forward to bedtime?

Are you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and utterly drained by the end of each day? Do you find yourself scrambling to get everything done, only to collapse into bed with a mind still racing with tasks and to-do lists?

If you can relate, you’re not alone.

So let’s dive right in to talk about six practical systems that can completely transform your evening and bedtime routines, both for you and your little ones.

Tip #1: Quality One-on-One Time

Take 10-15 minutes to connect with each of your children individually, without screens. Put away your phone and let your child lead the activity. This dedicated time acts as a reset button, providing your child with the sense of control and connection they crave.

Tip #2: Use Timers to Create Structure

Incorporate timers, whether on your phone or physical timers, to help your kids understand how much time is left before dinner, bath, or bedtime. This visual aid adds structure and predictability to their routines, reducing transition tantrums in the process.

Tip #4: Nightly Reset

Spend 10-15 minutes each evening resetting key areas of your home, such as the kitchen and living room. This quick cleanup ensures a clutter-free start to your next morning, bringing peace to your space without overwhelming you at the end of a long day. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes, and clean everything you possibly can in that time frame- it can be like a game with yourself, racing the clock! And, it gives your brain an end time, making it seem more manageable and bite sized.

Tip #5: Customized Bedtime Routines

Create personalized bedtime routines for both your children and yourself. I love a good night time routine for myself (just like my son loves his!) but it looks different in every season of life. Right now, my night time routine after my son goes to bed looks like: clean up, get some work done, take a shower or bath, skin care routine, brain dump and gratitude practices (mental clarity and off loading my to do list is so beneficial for me before bed so that my brain can shut off!), and then I will read or watch a show or scroll on social media for awhile (shh, I know this isn’t the best!) before bed. Giving yourself time to wind down and relax before bed can help shut your brain off and prepare your body for sleep!

Tip #6: Embrace Flexibility

Understand that both you and your children are continually evolving. Stay flexible and adapt your routines as needed to accommodate growth and changing circumstances. Your current evening routine may look different in a year, and that’s okay! Things change, routines change, and schedules change (sports practices, anyone?) so just go with the flow and adjust as needed- I know, easier said than done! But give yourself some grace, mama.

I know first hand how challenging it can be to navigate the chaos of evenings and bedtime with little ones. By implementing these six systems, you can transform your evenings into a time of peace and connection. Say goodbye to dreading the hours before bedtime and hello to a more peaceful, doable routine for you and your family!