A relaxed evening doesn't just start when it's time to go to bed – it's the result of a lovingly planned routine. Children need this predictability to feel safe and calm down. Why an evening routine is so important Children don't orient themselves by the clock, but by recurring actions and moods. A fixed routine signals: “Now it's time to wind down.”
This reduces stress levels and makes it easier to fall asleep.
The three key elements of a successful evening
1. Winding down: About an hour before bedtime, activity should slowly decrease. Quiet play, looking at books, or cuddling together help the body prepare for rest.
2. Connection: Children fall asleep more easily when they feel emotionally secure. A brief conversation about the day or a fixed cuddle time strengthens this connection.
3. Sleep signal: Recurring actions such as brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and reading a bedtime story send a clear signal that it's time to go to sleep.
Common stumbling blocks
Sometimes parents get stressed when the routine doesn't work perfectly. But evening routines are not a rigid set of rules – they can remain flexible if your child needs more closeness or if something changes.
Tips for a more relaxed evening
– Reduce bright lights in the evening to support the sleep-wake cycle.
– Avoid exciting games or screen time shortly before bedtime.
– Keep rituals simple enough that they are possible even on stressful days.
Conclusion
The perfect evening routine is not one that strictly adheres to the clock, but one that suits you.
With recurring, loving steps, you help your child feel safe and fall asleep relaxed.
If you would like your evenings to be calmer and more harmonious, please feel free to contact me.
Together, we will find an evening routine that suits your child – and makes your evening easier.
