Day 16-9:35 pm: Bedtime is something that is kind of crazy in our house. We always have good intentions. You know, bath, brush your teeth, read stories, and go to bed. Seems simple, right? Not to a toddler! There’s excuses for everything. I need water. I need to go to the bathroom. I need my doll. I just want to run around the house a be silly. And before we know it, it is 10:00 p.m. We are all exhausted.

I thought there has to be a better way.

So this evening, we tried something different. After dinner, we had “quiet time”. I read a book, my toddler had some screen time, and my hubby watched basketball. We all sat on the couch together for 20 minutes. It was so nice. It was great to be together. We all snuggled up and it was peaceful. I gave us all a chance to relax before bedtime.

I know screen time isn’t good before bed, but after the quiet time we still had our bedtime routine.

So, instead of running around the house, we are chill and relaxed.

You don’t have to let your kid have screen time, but just do an activity that is calm. My little one likes puzzles, or coloring, or play-doh. Anything where they are just sitting and being mellow. That doesn’t mean playing chase, or jumping on the bed!

This was just the first day we tried it, but I think we might continue to do it. I have to say she was still a little hyped up a bedtime, but she’s asleep before 10:00 p.m. So that’s great! Win for everyone involved!

What is your bedtime routine? Do you have any tips to calm your little ones down? Let me know if you have any ideas in the comments below!