5 Headache Free Bedtime Routine Ideas For Rebel Girls
This post was sponsored by Rebel Girls as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions about bedtime routine and books we use are my own.
Dream bigger, aim higher and fight harder with Rebel Girls.
One thing that I never really thought about pre-kids was how many bedrooms a house had and how that would impact bedtime routine.
It was just us and our dog. Three bedrooms seemed like a lot, but when we thought about possible house guests and maybe a baby later down the road, three seemed perfect.
Fast forward eleven years, three bedrooms are pretty packed with six people and our dog in the apartment.
But I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Sharing a bedroom means they have to solve problems together. Sharing isn't an option. There is always someone in their room if one of them wakes up scared. They have a nighttime buddy to read stories together with.
As we debated whether or not sharing bedrooms would be a viable option for us, one of the things I heard the most was that it doesn't work at night when it's time for bed.
I'm here to tell you that it absolutely works. Creating a bedtime routine that works wasn't easy at first but it's doable.
Here's how we made a relaxing bedtime routine that works for us with shared bedrooms and figured out how to do that with a toddler's bedtime routine.
A Headache Free Bedtime Routine for Rebel Girls
1. Everyone has their own space.
If they want to be alone, they know they can go to their bed and no one will bother them. They have little hanging pouches on their bed where they can keep favorite toys and a few books to read. This has worked for us as we figured out our bedtime routine for kids.
2. We have a set bedtime routine on school nights.
- At 7:00 pm, everything comes to a close.
- From 7:00-7:30, teeth are brushed, everyone goes potty, gets their pajamas on, and they get into bed.
- Once they are in bed, the kids can read books silently, together, or I read to them.
- At 8:00 pm, it is lights out.
This time between 7:30 and 8:00 has become one of my favorite times, and not because they are in bed. Having a consistent bedtime routine is ket for the sanity of everyone.
3. Read books together.
We've been reading Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls together and everyone loves the stories. Both my girls and boys are learning true stories about inspiring and real women. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls not only make great goodnight stories but also a lesson in empowerment.
They are bedtime stories with a purpose. Perfect for a better bedtime routine.
4. Be flexible.
Sometimes I do have to lay with the younger two to help them get settled in for bedtime. While it's frustrating and can feel like wasted time, it's not. I try to use that time to talk with them about the story we read and the lessons we can learn from the story.
Over the years, I've come to realize that bedtime is a treasure.
Eventually, they won't ask for bedtime stories or for me to lay with them, so I try my best to embrace it now.
5. Modify the routine a bit if necessary.
If one simply can not go to bed with the other in the room, modify the bedtime routine. Sometimes the little sister annoys her big sister with her spiciness so we let the big sister go to sleep first and then lay with Little Sister until she falls asleep on her own. I'm sure once she starts kindergarten in the Fall she won't have problems going to sleep when the bigs go to sleep.
Have you read Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Volume 1 or 2? Who was your favorite rebel girl to read about?
Become a Believer!