Screen-Free Bedtime Rituals for a Peaceful Night
4. Yoga Poses
6. Singing
After a long day of fun and screens, it's critical to create a peaceful bedtime routine for children to wind down. We've dived into how blue light from screens affects children's eyes before. Suffice to say, establishing a screen-free zone at least an hour before bedtime allows their bodies and minds to unwind, and is an extremely important habit to instill in our kids. Below are some ideas of bedtime rituals you can practice with your kiddos to help them wind down and sleep better.
Screen-Free Bedtime Habits:
- Family Game Night: Nothing beats the laughter and friendly competition of a family game night. Whether it's a classic board game or a quick card game, these moments together create lasting memories. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to wind down after a busy day. Here we dive into why you should consider a weekly game night, but for bedtime rituals, quick daily game nights are fantastic!
- Storytime Bliss: Snuggling up with a good book is a bedtime classic for a reason. As you read aloud, you transport your child to magical worlds, sparking their imagination and calming their mind. It’s the perfect way to end the day on a positive note while easing them to a gentle sleep. It will also help affirm their love for reading long term. Reading to your child has many more benefits than you think - see this article on Sleep.com for a deeper dive.
- Drawing and Writing: Whether it's scribbling in a coloring book, bringing characters to life on paper, or jotting down their thoughts, drawing + writing offers a wonderful outlet for kids. It's amazing how putting pencil to paper can help them process their day and find peace. We recommend helping your kids start and keep a daily journal. There are so many benefits of this that'll we'll dive into soon! For now, check out this article from Scholastic on why this is such a fantastic habit.
- Yoga Poses: Teaching your kids yoga poses can be a fun way to stretch out before bed - it also helps them practice deep breathing and meditation early on. Yoga help kiddos connect with their bodies, practice self awareness, and calm them - preparing them for a peaceful night's sleep. Check out this article` by the Moshi app for pose ideas and additional benefits!
- Quiet Activities: Puzzles, building blocks, or even a quiet coloring book can work wonders. These promote relaxation and calm the mind. Make sure they can only play/use these specific activities before bed, so it's something they look forward to!
- Singing: There's something undeniably soothing about a gentle lullaby. I bet even most of us parents would fall asleep to a lullaby even now! Singing creates a cozy atmosphere and signals it's time to wind down. It's a beautiful way to connect with your child and create a calming bedtime routine, and they will cherish these moments together with you forever.
Extra Tips:
Turn your kid's bedroom into a peaceful oasis. Consider using soft lighting, calming music, and a cool, comfortable space - these all have noticeable effects on children and them getting ready for bed.
Consistency is key. By creating a regular, relaxing routine, you're helping your child develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit them for years to come. They'll be able to self regulate their bedtime when they're older, all because of a small investment of your time now!
Do you have any specific questions about creating a bedtime routine or need more ideas for activities? Contact us at info@daboredbook.com