Parenting Hack: Simple Strategies to Make Bedtime and Mornings Stress-Free

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Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working parent, getting your kids to bed and out of the door can be AND often is stressful. If you’re anything like me, there are days when I’m already exhausted by the time I get my kids in bed. But here’s the thing: there is a parenting hack with a few simple strategies to make bedtime and mornings stress-free (or at least much calmer!!).

It’s taken some trial and error, but shifting from living my life on autopilot—especially when it comes to bedtime and mornings to being engaged – has made a world of difference.

There is hope with some planning and consistency, mama. Even if you don’t know it, you can be a relaxed parent who doesn’t spend every day feeling like she’s about to explode from stress. 

Evaluate and PACE YOURSELF mama

I know how hard it is to drag sleepy littles out of bed, remind them countless times to get ready, and still try and make it out at a decent time. Even as we homeschool, keeping simple strategies in our morning and bedtime routines has become even more critical!

If you haven’t, I encourage you to evaluate your morning routine. I am not a “morning” person, so I’ve had to get myself on a routine that doesn’t cause a domino effect—so waking up an hour before my kids help, even if I squeeze by 30 minutes before.

Be patient with yourself, and remember that establishing routines can take time, and there may be some setbacks along the way. Try these simple strategies to make bedtime and mornings stress-free.

stress-free morning strategies

Here are some stress- free Morning routine strategies to help quick-start your mornings:

1. Set realistic expectations: Setting realistic expectations can help your kids feel less stressed in the morning. Ensure they know what they must do and how much time they have to do it. We created a daily steps chart so that each child can track their progress on their own.
2. Set TWO separate alarms: The first alarm is for YOU. Set a time to be up at least an hour before your kids, so you both are not scrambling. Then create an alarm for your child to wake up at the same time each day: Just like a consistent bedtime, a constant wake-up time can help establish a solid routine. Wake your child up simultaneously each day, even on weekends.
3. Have breakfast: Instead of rushing, making time for breakfast can set your child up for a successful day. It can be a smoothie, breakfast burrito, overnight oats – whatever; make sure they sit and eat! In our home, I save the really fun breakfasts for the weekend, but during the week, we make sure everyone eats something simple AND filling!
4. Set out clothes the night before: Help your child prepare for the day by setting out their clothes the night before. Taking time the night before can help alleviate the hustle of the morning.
5. Stay positive: Stay positive and patient with your kids. The morning is a time to set the tone for the day, and we impact that significantly as parents. Whether it’s morning affirmations or a short prayer – start well together. Praise your kids for their efforts and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.

UNWIND, GET COZY, AND RELIEVE THE STRESS

After a long day, I used to be ready to rush into bedtime (and on tough days, I still can be ready to say “goodnight). But winding down from the day is as important as how we start our day. We love getting cozy around here, and it helps to have pajamas that my kids love!

Bums and Roses have terrific pajamas and more for the whole family! We love our bamboo pajamas for our bedtime routine. They’re soft and cozy while still being breathable. I’m so grateful that they are easy to care for, so no matter how many times you wash them, they’ll still look amazing.

We also love that they’re eco-friendly: the fabric and the dye are free of harmful chemicals. So you can feel good about putting them on your little ones as you cuddle up in these PJs—and know you’re helping protect the environment!

calming simple bedtime strategies

It can take time to establish a consistent bedtime routine. However, with a few simple steps, you can create a routine that works for you and your kids:

1. Keep it consistent: A consistent bedtime is one of the most critical aspects of an evening routine. Set a time that works for your child’s schedule and stick to it. Make sure your child has plenty of time to wind down before bedtime.
2. Play music: Music is a great way to set the mood or help your family transition for the evening. I often play specific playlists throughout the day to help move us along. There are excellent Spotify playlists for bedtime that aren’t just lullabies. Our favorite is Rockabye Baby.
3. Limit screen time: Screen time can interfere with sleep, so limit your child’s screen time leading up to bedtime. Consider reading a book, telling funny stories, or having some creative time as a family before resting.
4. Encourage relaxation: Encourage relaxation before bedtime to help your kids wind down. This can include bathing, reading a book, or practicing breathing exercises.

routines build confidence and independence

Routines allow our children to thrive. Breaking things down and staying consistent will make them confident in realistic expectations and their capabilities! The stress in routines is often because it’s what we expect as parents rather than partnering with our children to figure out a productive solid rhythm.

Simple strategies to make bedtime and mornings stress-free don’t have to be a laundry list. They truly can be what works best for your family! Once your child gets into a routine, they will likely feel more confident and prepared for each day.

Hopefully, with these few simple strategies and your family’s strengths, you can transform these moments into enjoyable, stress-free times.