We have followed a pretty
predictable bedtime routine since the boys were small – bath, pajamas, brush
teeth, stories, cuddles, lights out.
Some nights call for a little
something extra. And, some nights, I need to remind myself not to hurry through
this part of the day, but to slow down and enjoy the snuggles and chit-chat of
two sleepy boys.
Here
are a few of the ways we've added a spark to our normal bedtime routine – I
hope you’ll share your ideas in the comments, too!
Ham-Up
Story Time
Once in a while, go all out
with your bedtime story. Make crazy voices for different characters, act out
parts, or even wear a silly costume. If you choose a story your kids know well,
they can chime in at their favorite parts.
Whispering
Silly Songs
For a
bit of fun and giggles, without getting your kids too riled-up, whisper-sing a
few silly songs before tucking in to bed. Try Aikendrum, Down
By the Bay, Willoughby Wallaby Woo,
or any of your child’s favorite songs.
Tell Me a
Story
My boys have always loved for
me to tell them a story before bed. But, to be honest, my imagination is not
always at its peak at the end of the day – how about you? Here are a few ways I
make night time storytelling a little easier on myself:
~ I’ll tell a story about
when they were babies, or any little memory I can think of.
~ I might ask them to each
tell me a place, an animal, and something magical, and then turn those things
into a story.
~ Tell just a little bit of a
continuing story each night. They can remind me where we left off, and I don’t
have to think of new characters!
Flashlight
Games
My boys love flashlights, and
I bet your kids do, too. Bedtime is the perfect time to play a few flashlight
games. We like to make shadow animals with our hands, or draw letters and
shapes on the ceiling with our light and see if we can guess what each person
made.
What is the most
important part of your bedtime routine? I’d love to hear the ways you connect
with your kiddos at the end of the day!
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