Sometimes our kids don’t need a stricter bedtime routine. They just need a little more connection before the day ends.
A few little things that have helped us make bedtime more peaceful:
Keep a gratitude notebook. Take a few minutes to talk about what you’re thankful for that day. End the day on a positive note.
Read their favorite book. Let them choose, get cozy, and make it something they look forward to.
Try soft music. A calming playlist or gentle background music can help everyone wind down.
Back scratches. Sometimes all they need is a little extra comfort. A few minutes of back scratches can help them relax and feel close to you.
Spend five minutes in each child's bed. This is one of my favorites. Just a few minutes of one-on-one time to have those personal conversations. No siblings interrupting, no distractions, just you and them. You'd be surprised what they'll open up about.
Have those little conversations. Ask about their day, what made them laugh, or something they're looking forward to. Sometimes the best conversations happen when the lights are low and there's no pressure to talk.
Enjoy their company. Bedtime can feel like one more thing to get through, but try not to let frustration be the last emotion your kids experience before falling asleep.
And listen… my boys are still BOYS.
There will absolutely be a wrestling tournament in the hallway. Someone's laughing too loud, someone's bouncing off the walls, and suddenly getting into bed becomes the most entertaining part of the day.
Guys, they're kids. Especially my boys.
I let them be silly, but they also know my boundaries.
In our house, when the messing around goes too far and they're not listening, they know we may have to skip our bedtime book and head straight to bed.
But when I say, “I'll meet you in your room when you're ready,” they know exactly what that means.
They have a chance to get themselves together because that extra time with Mom? That's something my boys THRIVE on.
They love those few extra minutes to talk, laugh, cuddle, read, and just be together.
The goal isn't a perfectly quiet bedtime. It's creating a routine where your kids feel loved, connected, and secure while still understanding your boundaries.
You can be a gentle mom and still hold boundaries. You can let your kids be kids and still expect them to listen.
A little connection, a little consistency, and a whole lot of grace go a long way.
Because one day, they won't need us to tuck them in anymore. And I don't want to look back remembering how badly I wanted them to hurry up and fall asleep.
I want to remember the giggles, the bedtime stories, the little conversations, and those extra hugs.
Mamas, enjoy your babies before bed. Even the wild ones. Especially the wild ones. 🤍
