Evenings are the most precious time of the day for many families.

Mornings are typically hectic. Parents are busy preparing for their work, children are setting up for school and everyone is busy getting ready for the day. Eveas are given the chance to sit down and enjoy some time together in the evening.

Most parents don’t realize that the few hours prior to bedtime can have a great effect on the emotional well being of the child. Maintaining a regular bedtime routine for children can give them a sense of security and ensure effective communication and support for parents and children.

Great, it doesn’t require a lot of money and no much planning is needed to make some good and meaningful time with the family. 

Why Evening Routines Matter?

The best way to encourage a young child’s development is to follow a daily schedule.

Knowing what to expect makes them feel:

• Safe

• Relaxed

• Confident

• Emotionally secure

Eat Dinner Together Whenever Possible 

Family dinners are more than just food.

They create a natural dialogue and relationship building moment.

During dinner:

• Put phones away.

• Switch off the TV.

• Have all asked about their day.

Children will communicate more if they are relaxed and comfortable.

Just a meal together can help build parent child bonding.

Make Time For Everyday Conversations 

Not all children share important things at the time.

Sometimes parents ask the right questions and the best conversations arise.

Instead of:

• “How was your day?”

Try:

• “What made you laugh today?”

• “Did anything surprise you today?”

• “What was your favorite part of school?”

Questions such as these stimulate dialogue about children’s experiences and feelings.

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Read Together Before Bed 

Reading is one of the best parenting habits.

It supports:

• Language development

• Imagination

• Listening skills

• Emotional connection

Give Your Child Your Full Attention 

It doesn’t always have to be a long time of entertainment for children.

They will usually need a few minutes of your attention only.

Spend 10 or 15 minutes:

• Playing a game

• Drawing together

• Building blocks

• Describing and explaining what they like to do

The presence of parents makes the child feel important and valued.

These little moments are significant to child health and development.

Take A Short Evening Walk 

If you can, a little walk after dinner is a great tradition that you can enjoy with your family.

Benefits include:

• Fresh air

• Light physical activity

• Relaxed conversations

• Reduced screen time

Children converse more when they’re on a walk than when they’re sitting down in a conversation.

Create A Gratitude Habit

At night ask your child:

• What did you enjoy the most about today?

• What did you enjoy?

• What support did you get today?

A simple exercise this is, but it can help children to develop positive thinking and to focus on positive experiences rather than the frustrations of the day.

It can be something that is passed down from year to year.

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Keep Bedtime Calm 

There are many bedtime problems associated with children falling asleep from an excited state.

There’s a smoother transition with help.

Here are some simple bedtime routines that may include:

• Bath time

• Brushing teeth

• Reading

• Quiet conversation

• A goodnight hug

Listen More Than You Talk 

Children at times ask for guidance.

At other times, they just want someone to listen.

If your child has a concern or disappoints you:

• Listen patiently.

• Avoid interrupting.

Build Small Family Traditions 

Children like traditions because they give them a memory and an expectation of something that they want to do.

Simple ideas include:

• Friday movie night

• Storytelling evenings

• Weekend board games

• Family music sessions

The traditions do not have to be elaborate. The following day, they were even more consistent.

Final Thoughts

Great family relationships are not wrought through large favors. More frequently, they’re created in the natural moment when things repeat, everyday.

Small things can have a big impact for kids in feeling loved, supported and connected like sharing a meal, a bedtime story, a short conversation or a hug.

It is those very simple moments that can be crucial for a little one.

FAQs:

1. What’s the significance of young children’s evening routines?

Ans: It helps to make children feel secure, to sleep better, and to decrease stress.

2. How does an evening routine strengthen parent-child bonding? 

Ans: Offers opportunities for regular, shared activities, discussion and family time.

3. What is the necessary amount of quality time that children require after school?

Ans: Any undistracted interaction that lasts 15-30 minutes can make a difference.

4. Do bedtime reading sessions work?

Ans: Yes. Children learn to use language, use their imagination and connect with parents through reading.

5. What if parents have very busy schedules? 

Ans: It can have an impact even though it may be just a little something like sharing the meal, reading a story or a small conversation before bedtime.