Making Bedtime a Treasured Time with Your Kids

Let’s face it, no matter how organized you are or how well behaved your children are, bedtime can be a struggle.

But bedtime can also be incredibly meaningful. It’s not surprising then that when God was instructing parents on how to pass on faith, He included bedtime as sacred time (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Being patient with the struggle and intentional to make this time meaningful is so important.

As our babies become toddlers and our toddlers become kids there are lots of bedtime hours that pass us by.

As I look back now, I’m reminded of how quickly those special times go by.

Bedtime can be a treasured time for our children.

A time for us to connect with them after a long day. A time for us to listen. A time for us to remind them of our love for them. And a time for us to remind them of God’s love for them.

Here are a few practical ways to make bedtime meaningful for our children:

Talking Together:

One way to make talking at bedtime meaningful is to ask simple questions like, “What was the best part of your day? What was the hardest? What are you most worried about? What are you excited about?”

All of these, and more, can be great windows into your child’s heart. These are great opportunities for them to process what they are thinking and feeling.

And as a parent, the perfect environment to apply God’s truth and love where our kids need it most.

Reading Special Bedtime Books:

One of my favorite bedtime routines, especially when our kids were younger, is reading. 

Over the years, we have read through numerous books and children’s Bibles.

Reading is a great way to connect with your child, remind them of God’s love, and calm them before bedtime. 

Praying Together:

And finally, we always take this time to pray before bed. We talk about others who are in need of prayer.

This is an opportunity to model Christlike love and care for their friends. 

The meaningful routine we put in place when they were little will be carried over into their tween and teen years.

So the next time you feel like you are herding cats at bedtime, remember to slow down. Don’t rush it. Be intentional.

God wants to use this seemingly mundane activity to help shape the heart of your child!

Check out this Exclusive Divine Beginnings Artwork - Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep;  an excerpt from classic childhood bedtime prayer:

Read last week's Mommy Moments: Loving Your Kids Through Life's Seasons