How to Get Your Tweens to Sleep Without Losing Your Mind

Bedtime can feel like a never-ending saga, especially with tweens. If you’re finding it exhausting to get your kids tucked in and lights out before 9:30, you’re not alone. Here’s how to navigate the nightly bedtime circus with some expert tips and a touch of humor.

Stick to a Routine (Even When They Resist)

Consistency is key, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Wind-Down Time: Start your bedtime routine about 30 minutes before you want lights out. This can include a bath, reading time, and dimming the lights. Even if they protest, sticking to a routine helps signal that it’s time to wind down.

Consistency is Key: Try to keep the bedtime routine the same every night, even on weekends. This helps set their internal clocks.

Sarah, a mom of two tweens, swears by her strict 8:30 PM wind-down time. “At first, they fought it like little warriors, but now they look forward to our nightly storytime,” she says.

Tackle the Philosophical Questions

Kids have a knack for deep questions right at bedtime.

Time-Limited Conversations: Set a timer for 5-10 minutes of “deep thoughts” time. Let them ask their big questions, but once the timer goes off, it’s time to sleep.

Journal Time: Encourage them to write down their thoughts and questions in a journal. This can be a great way for them to express themselves and save the questions for tomorrow.

Handle the “Dying of Thirst” Syndrome

Suddenly, everyone’s parched right before bed.

Hydration Check: Make sure they drink enough water during the day. Have a small cup of water ready by their bedside to prevent late-night trips.

Bathroom Break: Incorporate a final bathroom trip into the bedtime routine. This reduces the chance of overnight accidents.

Mike found that keeping a small water bottle by his daughter’s bed reduced her frequent “I’m so thirsty” pleas. “It’s like a magical elixir that keeps her in bed,” he jokes.

Dealing with the Longer Days

Longer daylight hours can mess with sleep schedules. Creating a dark environment is crucial for melatonin production, which helps kids fall asleep faster

Blackout Curtains: Invest in blackout curtains to keep the room dark. This helps signal that it’s time to sleep, even if it’s still light outside.

Evening Wind-Down: Dim the lights and reduce screen time an hour before bed to help their bodies adjust to the longer daylight.

Balancing Your Own Time

You’ve got your own evening tasks to tackle.

Prioritize Tasks: Make a list of what needs to be done after the kids are in bed. Focus on the most important tasks first.

Self-Care: Don’t forget to carve out a little time for yourself. Whether it’s a cup of tea or a few minutes of reading, self-care is crucial.

Jenna, a busy working mom, shares, “I use the first 30 minutes after bedtime to tackle work emails, then I unwind with a book. It’s my nightly ritual.”

Bedtime with tweens can be a challenge, but with a few strategies, you can make it smoother. Remember, you’re not alone, and with a bit of patience, you’ll get through it. And who knows, maybe someday they’ll actually want to go to bed!

This post is inspired by Reddit user Lost_Advertising_219’s question.

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