Okay, let’s cut to the chase. Kids bedtime routine. We need it to be calm, simple and effective. And the truth is, it is always evolving. Once we find something that works they enter the next phase and that once perfected plan now falls short. My remedy for this is to find routines that are adaptable to each stage in life. Enter this easy night time yoga routine for kids. This yoga routine has been that for us. I did this with my kids at age two, four and six and I still do now at ages six, eight and ten.
Research shows how important sleep is so it is definitely worth the extra time to find a routine that works for your family. It may not be this easy night time yoga routine for kids but I encourage you to try it out. And if it doesn’t work for you then there are all kinds of tips, tricks and routines out there to try out.
Before reading on please understand I am NOT a yoga guru, instructor and do not even practice yoga regularly myself. This is not about perfecting a yoga pose or even meant for exercise. It is simply a way I have found to help calm their minds and bodies making bedtime a little more peaceful.
I lay a few ground rules before starting this routine.
1. No talking. Silly time is over. If anyone is rowdy they will immediately be put to bed and we will finish without them.
2. You must be completely ready for bed. Pajamas on, stories read, prayers said, teeth brushed, bathroom, last drink of water – whatever you must do before bed has to be finished.
3. Find your space. Everyone has a designated spot. Bumping into one another or a foot in sisters’ face does not facilitate a peaceful mood. I know this from experience.
4. Everyone has agreed that this is the ending to the day. It is good for them to be prepared to be ushered to bed immediately after.
Now that the ground rules are set and everyone is ready for bed I’ll show you what we’ve been doing lately. With that said, make it your own. Find what poses or music work best to relax your family. The point is a peaceful bed time not going through a specific pose or finishing a rigid routine.
I have found that setting the right tone for this routine is just as important as the routine itself. We like to dim the lights and play soft music in the background. Typically, we hold each pose for approximately 45 seconds and complete the routine twice. To end the routine, we hold the final pose for 2-3 minutes making the total routine around 15 minutes.
Hero Pose
Child’s Pose
Downward Dog
Camel Pose
Butterfly Pose
Supine Twist
Bridge Pose
Knees to Chest
Corpse Pose
Immediately after the routine I walk them straight to bed. Their rooms are already set for bedtime. Covers ready, lights off, sound machines on if they use them. A quick goodnight kiss and it is officially bed time. This a very quick process eliminating as many distractions as possible. Yes Momma, you made it!!!
It may take some practice but hopefully you will find success with it as I have. I have found that ending the day as peaceful and positive as possible is not only helpful for how I feel about the current day but also for how I start the new day as well.
If you have any tried and true bedtime tips, PLEASE SHARE. Sharing is caring. 🙂
Have a joyful day!!
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