Ask Dr Sears
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
MENUMENU
  • Pregnancy & Childbirth
  • Feeding & Eating
  • Parenting & Behavior
  • Health Concerns
  • Brain Health
  • A to Z Topics
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Wellness Institute
  • Home
  • Sears Family Connect
  • Mom-to-Mom Moments
  • Tips to Create a Bedtime Routine

Tips to Create a Bedtime Routine

Create a Bedtime Routine That Fits Your Family’s Needs

Do you struggle with a bedtime routine for your kids? The Bedtime “Battle” as I call it.

Arguably the most discussed topic among parents and source of frustration revolves around bedtime/sleep. And now with my youngest being 8, I had subconsciously checked that off my list of parenting issues. We’ve always had a special bedtime routine – lots of snuggles, giggles, and connection time. However, recently I’ve noticed something new with my son; a frustrated energy and anxiety in him especially at bedtime. While he and his two older sisters did well with my caresses, lullabies, and storytelling, apparently now he needed something else.

To be honest, when I first noticed the struggle I was a bit irritated. I had worked hard and was very intentional to create a bedtime that was enjoyable, connective, and peaceful. It’s a struggle to not get super annoyed at bedtime when all of a sudden your son has this ramping up of explosive energy and this tired single mom has to try to be calm. For a while I ignored, it hoping it was a phase, but one night was particularly rough. My go-to tools were just not working and I sensed a huge battle was imminent- even as I was encouraging him to be calm, I was about to lose it. In a moment of desperation, or maybe it was parenting brilliance, I asked him if he wanted to have a pillow fight. He paused, looked at me with a huge smile on his face, and nailed me with his pillow. It was on!

We spent the next 10 minutes in a “battle” that produced deep belly laughs, the release of pent-up energy/emotion, and a knocked over a pile of perfectly folded laundry (my fault for not putting it away right after it was folded). After that, he quickly fell asleep feeling peaceful, understood, and maybe a tad sweaty (whatever, totally worth it).

Related Articles

  • Best Bedtime Snacks
  • Goes To Sleep Late
  • Military Mom

That night was such a turning point for both of us. I earned more trust in his eyes when he saw that his “negative” behavior would be met with understanding and adaptability, versus shame and blame. He saw that I will not only fully enjoy and embrace the wonderful parts of him, but I will help navigate and work through the harder parts. And I was reminded of the beauty and growth that can come from staying calm, curious, and thinking outside the typical punishment system. It also produced a different night time routine that better fits his current needs. And honestly, it’s lots of fun. I encourage you to find a bedtime routine that fits the needs of your family

Sending loving and peaceful nighttime energy your way. And just in case you don’t have anyone in your life telling you this: you’re amazing and your children are blessed to have you…we’ve got this.

April 3, 2018 April 3, 2018 Dr. Bill Sears
The Health Brain Book

What does a Dr. Sears Health Coach Do?

Dr Sears Wellness Institute - Health Coach Certification

Watch Now!

Dr Poo Sunfiber Prebiotic Fiber

regular girl prebiotic fiber and probiotic blend for healthy natural balance

About Ask Dr. Sears

AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.

Recent Articles

  • Can You Help Your Kids Grow Taller? – 5-Step Action Plan
    Can You Help Your Kids Grow Taller? – 5-Step Action PlanDecember 27, 20220
  • Dr. Jim on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)November 8, 20220
  • "You've Got This!" - Martha's Breast Cancer StoryOctober 30, 20220


Resources

  • Sears Parenting Library
  • Dr. Sears Family Newsletter
  • Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
  • Prime-Time Health

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

  • support@askdrsears.com
  • Contact Ask Dr Sears
  • About Ask Dr Sears
  • About Dr. William Sears
  • Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
  • Media Relations Information


© 2020 AskDrSears.com All Rights Reserved.