Ever notice how your kids get a second-wind after trying to get them to wind-down? It’s their nervous system, not necessarily bad behavior. So, there’s another way to approach it that just might save your sanity!! Doing a few things in the right order can change everything for the better. Kids calm down at night differently than adults do. You probably love yawning, quieting down, and dimming the lights; your kids will greatly benefit from this, too, but not if you do them too soon! First things first for littles, and that’s to clear out the energy their bodies have stored up!
Movement is actually THE BEST thing to do for them to help them relax for bed. That’s right…they need to run, jump, dance, wrestle and laugh!
Try these steps and see if working with their nervous system makes a difference…
Step 1: Get the Energy Out (10-20 minutes)—encourage them to do the crazy active loud things that go against everything you’re thinking will help them relax for bed!!
Step 2: Bathtime & Dim Lights (10-15 minutes)—add Epsom salt to help them relax, give their bodies needed Magnesium for sleep and it even helps growing pains! Dim the Lights and slow things down. Blue light from screens kills our natural melatonin, so dim lights and no screens.
Step 3: Create Connection (5-10 minutes)—Read a book, snuggles & pray with them or over them
((photo credit: Parentcub on IG))