8 Tips for a Less Stressful Bedtime for Kids

One of the most stressful parts of the day for many moms is bedtime. Kids fight sleep, get out of bed again and again, or just plain make the whole process difficult. Sleep matters — for growth, for development, for their ability to focus the next day — and these tricks can help take the stress out of it.

When my oldest kids were young, I let them cry it out, and I deeply regret that now. It’s the method I was taught and told was best. It wasn’t until my fourth and fifth children that I found a much better way.

Here Are 8 Tips for a Less Stressful Bedtime

1. Cut out late naps. An afternoon nap can make a child far less interested in going to bed at a decent hour. If your child has started fighting bedtime, that’s often a sign they’re ready to give up the nap altogether.

2. Skip dessert. Cutting out sugary treats in the evening gives your child’s body a chance to settle down and get ready for sleep. Watch for sugar and soda with later meals especially. Fruit makes a great sweet ending to supper without the sugar rush.

3. Give your child a relaxing bath. A warm bath as part of the nightly routine relaxes the body and makes falling asleep easier. Tangerine or lavender essential oils can add to the effect and make a lovely addition to a homemade Epsom bath soak.

4. Cuddle up with a good book. Turning off screens and letting the mind settle from all that light exposure helps your child relax and encourages real sleep.

5. Get outside during the day. Kids sleep so much better after fresh air, movement, and being kept busy through the day. An active day helps kids fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

6. If your child keeps getting out of bed, give them quiet time in their room where they’re encouraged to relax and settle — no running, no jumping. Reading, playing quietly with toys, or building with blocks all work well here.

7. Cut down on late-night potty breaks. If your child uses potty breaks as a stalling tactic, try setting a cutoff time for drinks. An hour before bed is a good point to stop liquids and cut down on those trips.

8. Snuggle together. This is my favorite trick for a stress-free bedtime. Each night, I’d lay down with my little ones, and we’d talk about our day, about heaven, about anything at all. I’d ask, “What do you want to dream about tonight?” — a question that sparked more sweet conversations with my two- and three-year-olds than I can count. Kids grow up so fast. It may feel like it’s eating into your own evening, but I promise you won’t regret that time together.

Action Steps to Take Today

1. Pick one tip from this list your family isn’t already doing, and try it tonight.
2. If bedtime battles are frequent, check whether your child has outgrown their nap.
3. Set a liquid cutoff time an hour before bed if nighttime potty breaks are a stalling tactic.
4. Ask your child tonight what they want to dream about, and see where the conversation goes.

Share your tips in the comments below!

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