Intentional Routine Boards
Bedtime routines can be a challenging aspect of parenting, with kids often resisting the idea of going to bed. As a parent, I faced the same struggle with my son. However, I discovered an engaging and empowering solution that not only helped establish a smooth bedtime routine but also strengthened our relationship. By involving my son in the process of creating a routine chart, he gained a sense of ownership and responsibility over his bedtime routine. In this blog post, I will share the products I used and the step-by-step process to create our personalized routine chart, along with the numerous benefits it brought to our family.
Products Used
Poster Board
Laminating machine or self-adhesive laminating sheets
Printer and paper for printing routine steps
Scissors and glue stick
Markers and stickers for decoration
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Engaging Your Child in the Process
I began by talking to my son about the bedtime routine. I asked him what his ideal bedtime routine would look like giving them the freedom to choose the activities they enjoy during their wind-down time. This involvement will make them feel important and valued, fostering a sense of responsibility for their own bedtime.
2. Creating the Routine Plan
Together, list the bedtime routine steps. Keep it simple and concise, with no more than eight steps. Examples include brushing teeth, changing into pajamas, reading a book, and saying goodnight to parents. Write down these steps on a piece of paper.
3. Visual Representation
To make the routine more engaging, take pictures of your child doing each step during a typical bedtime routine. This step adds a personal touch and reinforces their connection to the process.
4. Printing and Laminating
Print out the routine steps and laminate them for durability. Laminate each step separately to ensure you can move them around as needed.
5. Customizing the Routine Board
Divide the whiteboard into two halves, one for the bedtime routine and the other for the morning routine. Glue the laminated routine steps on the bedtime side of the board in the order they occur during the evening.
Pro Tip: If your child is old enough, have them use the glue stick to put their steps on the board.
6. Personal Touch
Allow your child to add decorations, stickers, or drawings to the board. This will make it more visually appealing and give them a sense of ownership over the chart.
7. Finding the Right Spot
Together, decide on a suitable place to hang the routine board in your child's room. Choose a location that is easily visible and accessible to your child.
Pro Tip: Give your child two to three options for where to hang it by asking “Do you want to hang it here by your bed or over there by the bathroom?” This puts them in control but gives you the ability to set the limit.
8. Implementing the Routine
Explain to your child that the routine board will serve as their bedtime guide. Encourage them to follow the steps in order each night, with the ultimate goal of achieving a smooth bedtime routine.
Benefits of Involving Your Child:
1. Empowerment and Responsibility
Allowing your child to have a say in creating their bedtime routine chart empowers them to take responsibility for their actions. They feel more in control of their bedtime, leading to a positive and cooperative attitude.
2. Visual Aid and Predictability
The routine chart provides a visual representation of the bedtime routine, making it easier for your child to understand what comes next. Predictability can reduce anxiety and make the transition to bedtime smoother.
3. Bonding Experience
Involving your child in creating the routine chart strengthens your parent-child bond. It shows them that their opinions and choices matter, fostering open communication and trust.
4. Consistency and Habits
Consistently following the routine chart helps establish healthy bedtime habits. As they actively participate in the process, they are more likely to stick to the routine willingly.
5. Sense of Achievement
Successfully completing each step on the routine chart gives your child a sense of accomplishment. This positive reinforcement motivates them to continue following the routine.
Creating a personalized routine chart with your child can be a game-changer in establishing a cooperative and enjoyable bedtime routine. By engaging your child in the process, you foster a sense of empowerment, responsibility, and ownership. The routine chart not only makes bedtime more predictable and less stressful but also creates a special bonding experience between parent and child. Through this simple yet effective approach, you can transform bedtime battles into a positive and rewarding experience for the entire family.
