Games to play to help ease bedtime struggles.
Bedtime should be a time of bonding and something to look forward to. Finding the balance between making bedtime successful while keeping the peace can sometimes be challenging. By adding easy and quick games to your pre-bedtime routine, you can quickly get your kid to bed and cherish your time together as well.
1. Toy Scavenger Hunt
Let’s face it, at the end of the day it is almost a given that there will be toys lying around. Just before bedtime is not an ideal time to add to the exhaustion of mom or dad’s day by nagging your kids to pick up their toys. Now, by playing this quick before-bedtime game, you can get those toys packed away in a fun and quick way that will help out with your bedtime routine as well. Make a list of all the toys that need to be picked up. Turn cleaning-up time into a scavenger hunt. The one who finds the most toys and puts them back in their correct spot wins.
2. Light Levels
Dim down the lights during different stages of the night; this will help your child’s brain prepare for bed as well as create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere.
– Start with candlelit dinner
– Low light bath
– Flashlights for reading stories
– Shadow puppets
3. Walk-about
Getting out in the fresh, open air can be a great way to reflect on the day, create a memorable moment as well as release that last bit of energy, especially when your child is particularly restless before bedtime.
4. I Spy
This simple and timeless game is an effective way to play calmly while your child is in bed. Let your kid name some of the objects they can spot around them. You can add a twist by bringing out a picture book or photo album and see if you can guess what they spot on the pages.
5. Hide and sleep
Play hide and seek with all the items needed for your young one to get to bed. Consider hiding PJs, stuffed animals and blankets around the house. Once your little one has found all the items, he has won the game and is ready for bed.
Tip: Conveniently place items so they lead the way to the bedroom.
