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Monday, May 9, 2011

Bedtime Routines for Kids

Everyone knows that I am a stickler for routines and schedules. When Luke was a newborn I put him on a schedule and pretty much since we've tried really hard to keep a routine. I think it helps kids knowing what to expect throughout the day. I figured I would share my bedtime routines for my kids.

Nathan
Around roughly 7:00pm, we feed him approximately an 8oz bottle.
We let him hang out/play until he looks tired (usually around 7:30 or 7:45pm).
We take him upstairs, change his diaper and put him in a onesie and a sleep sack.
We read him a Bible story or two from his Bible* (Read with Me Bible he got at his baby dedication). http://www.mardel.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=349722
We sing some songs (always Jesus Loves Me, sometimes Jesus Loves the Little Children, The B-I-B-L-E, and/or This Little Light of Mine).
We pray.
We kiss and hug.
We put him down in his crib and turn on his glow worm and put it beside him (it plays soft music and it's tummy lights up).
We aim to have him in bed no later than 8:00pm.

Luke
Around roughly 7:00pm, he cleans up toys.
We take him upstairs and he showers.
He brushes his teeth.
He puts on his jammies (and puts dirty clothes in the hamper).
He snuggles up in bed.
We read a book and a Bible story.
We pray.
We kiss and hug.
We aim to have him in bed no later than 8:00pm.

*"Why do you read the Bible to a 7 month old?" you might be wondering. We truly believe the verse, Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. I don't think anyone is too young for the word of God to pierce their heart. It's a great "habit" to start at a young age. Kids won't be able to remember a time they didn't read the Bible daily. Plus, as parents we can learn so much from reading a children's Bible. Lee and I have both learned things we didn't know from reading the Bible to our kids. Also, if you are looking for a great Bible to do with maybe 4 years old and up, The One-Year Children's Bible is fantastic. You read a pretty good, deep part of Scripture but the kids can keep up with it. It's awesome. We did it last year with Luke. http://www.christianbook.com/the-one-year-childrens-bible/rhona-davies/9781414314990/pd/314990?kw=314990&en=froogle&p=1013824&cm_mmc=CBDfeeds-_-froogle-_-books-_-314990

What are your kids' bedtime routines?

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