Create an Amazing Evening Routine

Why did I choose to create an evening routine? As a homeschool mom of five I felt the need early on to create household routines for my family so we could function well. Living day to day without a system was draining for everyone. We needed structure. Also, I feel great days often start when you’ve had a good nights sleep.

Where to Start

I like to begin with fixed factors when establishing a routine. Fixed factors are the parts (or in this case times) that will not be moved (not much anyway).

Step 1 Determine what time you want to wake up in the morning.

For instance if I want to wake up at 6:30am to begin my morning routine, and I function best between eight to nine hours of sleep, then I’m going to go bed at 9:30pm. When you’re ready to add a morning routine click here.

Step 2 Next decide on the earliest time you could start this routine.

Since we usually eat dinner at or around 6pm, I try to have dinner ready as close to this as possible since a late dinner tends to push everything back. Some nights just can’t be helped, in which case we adapt. More about that in a bit.

Step 3 How long does dinner/ clean up take at your house?

Dinner tends to be about an hour at my house with clean up and devotions, so we are generally done by seven, especially if I was cleaning along the way. I don’t worry too much about an exact time here, just an idea.

Step 4 How long does it take to shower, read with your children and put them in bed?

Depending on how many little ones I have at the time and knowing I want all my kids to shower in the evening because they like to play outside, it usually would take us about an and hour and a half. For one little kid, oh wait, yes, almost the same amount of time. Hehe. My kids love their bedtime/ evening routine when they are little.

Hopefully if they are very young, not at the same time as you. I try to give myself a little time to wake up first if I can help it. It helps me feel more prepared for my day and ready to receive them. However, I’m not overly concerned with what time my young children wake up, just so long as it is not before me.

Step 5 What time do your children need to wake up?

Also, how many hours do your kids need for sleep? A toddler needs far more than a 10 year old. I usually research this online and then adjust to my child’s needs. Your child may need more or less than the average recommendation for the age depending on growth spurts, sickness, season, etc… Although the average is about 10-11 hours for most children. I generally just put them to bed about the same time in the evening and allow extra time in the morning for them to sleep if they need it.

Here’s a link to check out how long your child should sleep?

Step 6 With the information from step 5 determine a bedtime for your children.

I chose a bedtime of 8:30pm for my little ones. That gives me time to wind down in the evening for a bit, and honestly they tend to sleep a bit more so I will have a little time in the morning anyway.

Step 7 What kinds of activities do you want to perform during your evening routine?

I like to read and visit it with my husband. Sometimes I like to take a warm bath and read a book. There are some other suggestions listed below.

Step 8 Put in All Together.

Using the example below I will show you how I organize my evening routine. Depending on what you see, you may need to decrease the time for certain activities to allow time for others.

For Example

1. Wake up at 6:30a to begin my morning routine.
2. Go to sleep at 9:30p.
3. Dinner 6p-7ish
4. Little Kid Bedtime 8:30p, wake up at 7a
5. List your Activities: Read, talk to my spouse

Sample Evening Routine

6p Dinner

7p Get ready for bed

8:30p Little Kid Bedtime /Adult Activity Time

9:30p Adult/ Teen Bedtime

A Note on Older Kids (Teens)

For older teen children in my house, I usually give them the same bedtime as myself, unless they are extremely responsible or at least seventeen in which case I tend to allow them more and more independence. The idea is that they eventually learn to govern themselves.

Other Adults in the Home

As of eighteen, my children make their own decisions and as long as it is not affecting schoolwork they are left alone to develop their own evening routines. After they graduate from my homeschool, they are treated like renters in my home. That sounds awful but I mean it in the most loving, you be in charge of yourself now kind of way. I have raised thoughtful, responsible children who respect our home.

When Events Crowd in Your Evening Routine

We have evenings like everyone where I would prefer bedtime to be a regular thing and yet we have to be flexible. For example, if Awanas doesn’t get out until 8:30p and I have a drive to get home and then start bedtime, that’s ok because as long we are keeping to it most nights we are fine. Otherwise, I can always choose to stay home. I just choose my evening commitments carefully. Some things are worth it. In the event of late nights, we keep to the same routine but quick shower, etc.. and it usually goes pretty quick.

Schedules Vs Routines

So in essence a schedule is pretty much like going to public school was for me, you know 9:00-9:50 history class. Well, instead I prefer routines where you have a general idea and and everything is “ish”! That works better for me and my life. That way if I’m having a problem with the dog, child, dinner, etc.. I feel more flexible and less like I failed to meet a quota.

Suggestions to add “Relax” to your Evening Routine

-Candles

-Soothing sounds/music

-Read-a-louds, books, audio books

-bubble baths, especially with lavender and Epsom salts

Tips For Success

-If you are dragging your kids out of bed each morning, they are definitely not getting enough sleep.

-Start early before you get too tired to follow through. Even for me I get everybody ready for bed early because I’ll turn into a mombie and wander instead of getting into bed. I like to read in bed, that helps me to feel relaxed.

-A routine is to provide a basic structure to your evening, not make you feel “behind.”

-Many children need to adjust to the new bedtimes. Try to adjust by about 15 minutes a day.

-Be patient and calm. The most important is to make this a positive adjustment.

Comment below on some of you and your families favorite ways to relax before bed!