Bedtime can be a beautiful transition or a chaotic nightmare, am I right?

But what I’ve found as a mom of 4, is that as much as I want to rush through bedtime most nights, our children are actually more likely to open up to us during this precious time.

And when my 5 year old son gave his life to the Lord during bedtime, I realized the importance of a positive and peaceful bedtime routine.

So let’s talk about how to master the post-dinner transition so no one loses their mind tonight, shall we?

1. Family Clean Up. After dinner, give everyone a job for cleaning up and getting the kitchen back in order. Enlist and deploy every walking member of the family – there’s a job for even the youngest child. If you have a baby in the family, then one person’s job is to tend to that baby. But as a team, everyone is working together.

Here are some ideas for jobs to hand out:

• Clear table, wipe table
• Load dishwasher
• Put away leftovers
• Clean up dinner prep
• Tidy up living
• Take out trash

2. Minimize Tension. Having everyone in one space at this time of the day can cause distraction & tension, so have each child get ready individually if possible (offer help as needed). And take the time to get yourself “ready for bed” as well, to set the tone for the whole family.

3. Set the Atmosphere. Turn on instrumental music, have books and blankets out in the living room to invite your children to a peaceful transition. Do not bring electronic devices into this space. As you wait for them, you can read a book, or simply wait. Resist the urge to fill your time, so that when your kids arrive, you are available to them.

4. Get Cozy & Read Together. Take turns picking books to read (or stick to one long one). Older kids may choose to read their own books quietly, that’s okay. The point is setting the tone for a peaceful transition to bed. Before reading the last book, make sure to communicate what the expectation is when it’s over.

5. Transition With Them. Speak softly and walk calmly with them to their room. Help them into their bed, and speak life over them. Tell them something awesome you saw them do today, or what you see for their future, or simply tell them how blessed you feel to be their mom.

6. End on a High Note. Even with the best of intentions, some nights just don’t go so well. Even then, make it a point to always end on a good note. With an apology, with a prayer, with a reassurance that you love them and they are safe.

Then, close the door and just pray they don’t come out for water 😉

>> If implementing intentional family rhythms like this into your home is important to you, join the waitlist here for my upcoming course.