A relaxing evening followed by a good night’s sleep is the best way to lead into a school morning, but many of us have let the evening routines slip as we enjoyed the summer break (and rightly so!). Getting back on track might seem like a daunting task, but with a little preparation, the whole family will soon be back in the swing of things.
The key is to find a routine that works for your family, and although it doesn’t need to be a military operation, life is easier when everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing! Start with a list of everything you need to and would like to get done each evening. Also, try to have a bedtime in mind, and work backwards from there. According to The Sleep Charity, children aged 3-6 need 10-12 hours of sleep per night, children aged 7-11 need 10-11 hours, and those aged 12-18 need 8-9 hours.
How much falls to the adults will depend on the age of your children, but don’t be afraid to give them a few jobs too. Younger children will need more observation and guidance, but kids of all ages can benefit from having responsibility for part of their evening routine. Even preschool children can help by adding bits to their packed lunches, picking out their favourite pyjamas or choosing a bedtime story.
Bathtime is one of the best parts of our evening routine, and an opportunity to begin winding down for the night. A bubbly bath is a must – create cascades of sweetie-scented bubbles with our Raspberry Bubble Gum Bubble Bath and Sparkling Strawberry Bubble Bath. They’re uniquely formulated to create colourful bubbly baths without the use of harsh ingredients.
Make sure they’re clean top to toe by enlisting the help of our Honey Cream shampoo and conditioner, offering gentle cleansing and leaving hair softer and more manageable. Hair brushing in the morning before school isn’t always popular, and if you’re still facing a few knots and tangles, our Fresh Apple Detangling Spray is a lifesaver!
Once our little cherubs are bathed and in their pyjamas, it’s time to start preparing for sleep. It’s not always possible, but try to avoid over stimulating activities before bedtime. Lower the lights and swap the screens for stories and gentle play. This is easier said than done, especially with older children and teenagers, but we can all benefit from genuine relaxation before bed.
Children respond differently to changes in routine, but hopefully, after a few nights, your little ones will be onboard with the new evening arrangements. An evening routine shouldn’t stand in the way of family life, but the more that you can stick with it, the easier it’ll become. And you’ll be rewarded in the morning with smiley excited children ready to take on the upcoming school year!
