5 Creative Ways to make bedtime a bit less of a battle!
You know the saying, “no one has a longer to-do list than a child who’s just been told it’s bedtime!”
Bedtime with little kids can be a challenge, even for the most organised parents amongst us. It can be hard to get an efficient bedtime routine in place with our busy schedules. Hybrid working, although a welcome change for many can also cause some disruptions - one day working from home and the next, not being home until 7pm - sometimes, this might mean missing your little one's bedtime. So we’ve decided to compile a little list of 5 creative and innovative ways to help make bedtime a success - or at least, a little less challenging!
Bedtime task chart
Kids crave & thrive on structure. It provides them with a sense of safety and security knowing what to expect each night. Make a simple chart with the bedtime routine tasks in the order they should be completed.To make the routine more creative, get your child some stickers of their favourite animal, TV show/ film etc . Every time your child completes the task, they get to stick a sticker on it. When they complete a week, tell them they can stick it up and it will be a picture of all their favourite things on the wall. This means that regardless of who puts your child to bed, the bedtime tasks don’t change. The fixed routine means the child can feel independent and confident in doing the tasks and there is an added enjoyment of sticking their stickers on it. Mission accomplished!
2. Story telling
Why not try a more inventive bedtime story? Making up stories can be really exciting your kids and they can have as much input as they’d like! Older children love hearing about the ‘Olden days’, so why not share some of your real life stories of when you were a child? Here’s some topics to get you started:
A typical day in school for you
A memorable summer holiday
Something silly your grandparents or other relative did
3. CocoRio Creative Sitters
Why not book one of our very own creative sitters? Stay for after work drinks and leave bedtime in the capable hands of a CocoRio sitter. All our sitters come from creative backgrounds and absolutely love sharing their creative expertise through games, ideas and skills with families. Night Time babysitting is only £15 an hour and finally gives you some quality parent time or simply some time without the kids to relax!
4. Physical exercise
Studies have shown that some form of physical exercise during the day can aid with a good night's sleep. With shifting parents and nanny schedules, we know this isn’t always easy. Luckily, it only takes 5 or 10 minutes of physical activity each day in the late afternoon/early evening to shake all that stagnant energy out of the body - making it bedtime ready. Simply pop on the CocoRio Spotify playlist and let the kids to dance around the kitchen - if you’re feeling in a funk why not join in too! Alternatively, put some kids yoga on youtube or have a tooth brushing party with everyone in the family complete with music and dancing or try some games or music at bath time - these games will definitely tire the kids out making the transition to bed a little smoother. See below for a personal favourite bath time song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzAm13KsBCc
5. Meditation
Meditation is a great way for kids (and adults) to unwind before bed. Create a safe and comforting environment; place some pure essential oils in a diffuser or burner or light some candles (a safe distance away from the kids!), place glow in the dark stars on the ceiling, have a kids night light (Also good for keeping away the boogie monsters!). Or maybe it’s simply dimming the lights in the room or just closing over their eyes. Once the surroundings are set up, maybe put some cushions out for your child to sit on and some blankets they can wrap around them, let them cuddle into you/blankets and hold their favourite toy. When the environment is ready, you can follow one of the relaxing bedtime meditation available on breath kids, breathing bubbles or dreamy kid. All apps available to download on apple and google play stores.
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