I’ve talked before about our morning routine and how it helps keep things running smoothly in our home. Now, let’s dive into our nighttime routine. This isn’t about following a strict schedule or assuming that one approach fits everyone, but having a nighttime routine can really make things easier for the family, especially for moms.
A routine is different from a minute-by-minute schedule; it offers the flexibility I need in my life. The biggest shift for me as a mom was adopting a block schedule, and routines, like those at night, fit right into that framework.
Routines are basically habits that are scheduled. Once we pick up these routines, like brushing our teeth every morning, they quickly become second nature. The more consistently we stick to these routines, the less effort we need to put into thinking about them. Routines can actually rewire our brain in positive ways.
The CDC highlights consistency as a key element for creating structure and peace at home. Kids flourish when there’s consistency, routines, and predictability. This doesn’t mean our schedules have to be set in stone, but they provide a helpful framework.
It’s important to give yourself grace and allow some flexibility. There’s no such thing as a perfect schedule. If you’re up all night with a restless baby, maybe take an afternoon nap together instead of catching up on work. Nighttime routines should match your family’s unique needs.
A family with young children will have different routines compared to one with teenagers. Before crafting a nighttime routine, think about what you want the next morning and day to look like. Plan backward from your ideal day by prioritizing tasks and creating a smooth workflow.
If everyone takes morning supplements, organize them in advance for easy access. If your baby’s going to grandma’s, have the diaper bag ready. Planning to make coconut chicken curry for dinner? Defrost the ingredients ahead of time.
Not every task is a nightly requirement, but some anchor points help maintain consistency. Depending on your children’s ages and skills, they might manage more than you expect. Years ago, I realized my kids could take on more responsibilities, which is beneficial for their growth into independent adults.
I have my nighttime routine and my kids have theirs. They can handle tasks like simple evening chores, setting out clothes, and packing lunches. Of course, there are the essentials, like brushing teeth, getting into pajamas, and bedtime stories.
Figure out the steps that suit your family as you build your nighttime routine. Having a printed version available where it’s visible, like on the fridge, can be helpful. You can make it as straightforward as a list or include times and checkboxes for the kids.
Now that my kids are older, they’re mostly independent, handling their own breakfasts and lunches. Back when they were younger, I did all of that. If your mornings are busy, making breakfasts in advance, like banana bread muffins or baked oatmeal, can be a real time-saver. They can be prepared the night before and just reheated in the morning.
Are the kids heading to school or a co-op the next day? Then make sure their lunches are packed. Planning to make bulgogi Korean beef? Ensure the ingredients are ready and thawed.
A quick cleanup during our evening routine means starting the next day on a clean slate. Our biggest tidying effort happens during my productivity block, but a short cleanup before bed keeps everything in place.
Picture waking up to a sink full of dirty dishes when you’re ready to make breakfast—it can really slow things down. Age-appropriate chores, like sweeping the floor or loading the dishwasher, can be great for the kids to help with.
Check your schedule and prep for any next day appointments. Do you need to pack the kids’ lunches or sports bags? As they get older, they can take on these responsibilities. Some items can even be loaded in the car the night before to avoid any forgotten bags.
If there’s a lot to do, it might help to get some tasks done earlier in the day. We want our nighttime routine to simplify life, not pack it too tightly.
Setting out outfits the night before can become a habit for the kids so you’re not choosing outfits for everyone. Capsule wardrobes also simplify this process. When my kids were younger, I picked out their outfits, until I realized the benefits of them taking over the task, including doing their laundry.
Our family eats early for a few reasons: it fits our schedule and prevents indigestion. Digesting food at bedtime can trigger heartburn. Drinking plenty of healthy fluids during the day is just as crucial, reducing bedtime requests for drinks and minimizing nighttime trips to the bathroom.
There are plenty of healthy, caffeine-free drinks to enjoy. Blue light has its place during the day but can disrupt sleep at night due to its effect on melatonin. To counter this, I wear blue-light blocking glasses in the evenings, and we switch off electronics to wind down and connect as a family. Turning off our wifi reduces EMF exposure, which research suggests isn’t great for sleep.
Keeping the bedroom cool can help support sleep by prompting melatonin release. Lowering the thermostat or using cooling solutions like a ChiliPad can keep the sleep environment optimal.
With busy family days, moms often carry a heavy mental load. Instead of lying restlessly at night worrying about the next day’s plans, it helps to journal or meditate before bed. A gratitude journal captures my thoughts, while jotting down tomorrow’s tasks can ease anxieties of forgetting. Meditation can also bring focus and relaxation.
Kids and parents alike need wind-down time. Having a consistent bedtime is beneficial for everyone’s health and development. Though this isn’t always possible, having goals in mind is a plus. My husband and I spend time together after the kids are asleep and I wrap up my routine, but staying up too late doesn’t do my body any favors.
Adjusting a nighttime routine to fit your family can make for a happier home. What do you do at night? What might you try changing or adding after this?
