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When Aimery started going back to school this year, I noticed that he was a lot more tired in the evenings and could no longer make it to his 9PM bedtime. This is the first year that Aimery is in all day care, and his preschool only has one-hour naps, which has been an adjustment for Aimery’s sleep schedule. He normally takes three-hour naps at home - our kid loves to sleep! Since his nap time was cut in half, he needed to start getting ready for bed earlier. We have found that having bedtime routines work really well for our family! Aimery has started to really enjoy having time devoted to him in the evenings to relax and wind down before he goes to sleep. Here are three bedtime routines we practice on school nights!

Quality Time

Now that Aimery is in full day this year, we have been able to get a lot more work done during the day! That means that in the evenings we have more time to spend time with Aimery, which has been something we’ve struggled with in the past. With all of the obligations and stresses of daily life, it has been so therapeutic to have one on one time with him at night. Ben and I love being able to give Aimery my full attention, without distraction and this time has become something we look forward to at the end of the day! Every night, we make sure to have some time to cuddle and ask him about his day. We ask him questions like, “what made you happy today?” and “what is something good that happened today?” so we can focus on positivity. 

Bedtime Stories

Ever since Aimery was little, we made it a nightly tradition to read a book together before he goes to sleep! As he’s grown up, he has developed such a love for books. In his room, he has a little library which we are always looking to make new additions too! Our family recently discovered Jon Klassen’s Trilogy: I Want My Hat Back (a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book), This is Not My Hat (Winner of the 2013 Caldecott Medal for picture book illustration) & We Found a Hat! I have heard great things about these books, not to mention all of the books in the trilogy have been critically acclaimed, each with numerous positive reviews. I knew we had to check them out!

Even though these are children’s books, there were a lot of things even I could appreciate about this trilogy! You guys know I’m a huge fan of aesthetic and these books are filled with beautiful minimalistic artwork. Jon Klassen is also the illustrator of two Caldecott Honor books, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn, both written by Mac Barnet. I love the sense of humor displayed in these books! So many instances of dry wit and deadpan humor that can be appreciated at any age! The books also came in a high-quality box and would make a great gift, especially with the holidays coming up!

Positive Affirmations

It’s been shown that we learn our belief systems as young children and I’m such a strong believer in optimism and having a positive mindset. I want to encourage the same for Aimery as he’s growing up and teach him that mental health is just as important as physical health. We’ve incorporated positive affirmations into his bedtime routine and I really think it’s made a huge difference in his self-esteem! Here are some we like to use:

I am loved.

I am strong.

I am gentle.

I am kind.

I am smart.

I am caring.

I am honest.

I am thankful.

I am a good friend.

I can do it.

In the craziness of back to school season, I’m so proud of Aimery and how he’s adjusted! It’s been so great having time in the evenings spending quality time with him and winding down after a long day. It’s all of these little moments and routines, that are sometimes the most special.