Having rituals around bedtime can be particularly good for helping small people settle down at the end of the day.
Doing something gentle and soothing at the same time each evening can help send a message to the brain that it’s time for sleep.
It’s also great for parents to know that amongst all the competing demands there will be a moment for some quality time with our little ones.
A good bedtime ritual will depend on the age of your child but could include reading, singing, cuddling, sharing thoughts on the day or focussing on what we’re thankful for.
Here’s one idea that helped a Dad settle his toddler in the evenings and became something the whole family looked forward to.
“Bedtime can be tough for a two-year-old. Resisting the bath, or having their teeth cleaned. What a drama.
This year we discovered a nice way to calm things down before bed.
After the bathing and tooth brushing was done, we turned off all the lights and sat on the floor around a candle, cuddling and holding hands.
My partner and I would take turns reading How Maui found the Secret of Fire.
In the dark room with the candle burning, our daughter was mesmerised as we told the story of Maui, so full of life.
After, we all went outside to look at the stars and look for the moon.
Then, it was cuddles and bedtime in the dark house.”
Here are some more ideas for rituals that can make family life run more smoothly.