A Bedtime Routine for Children

A routine is not a rigid schedule. It is a set of simple actions repeated in roughly the same order.

1. Slow the evening down

Bring active play to a close and allow a short transition.

2. Put screens away at the end

If you play an audio story on your phone, choose it and then set the device aside.

3. Keep familiar everyday steps

Brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and having a drink of water also provide structure.

4. Offer a small choice

Choosing between two stories is easier than browsing an endless catalog.

5. Enjoy one story

A story becomes a bridge between day and night.

6. Let the story’s ending mark the end of the evening

Agree on how many stories you will have before you begin.

7. Repeat the order, not a perfect script

Predictability matters more than getting every detail right.