Bedtime Routine for Young Children

We have all read about the importance of routine and consistency in the lives of young children.  I'm a believer.  Not only do children feel secure and thrive on a stable, predictable routine, but wonderful memories happen with routines.

When my daughter was a toddler, we began a bedtime routine that we continued until she was twelve years old.  Bedtime routine ran as follows: a bath, a snack, teeth brushing, book reading (often two or three books), and finally, prayers.  Sarah is now twenty-one years old and we have happy memories of this custom to this day.

Praying with your child is a wonderful experience. We began with simple, short prayers and listed intentions - people's names and crisis situations from environmental concerns to the Gulf War.  Your child may surprise you with observations of needs.  Eventually, we moved on to longer prayers.

Praying with a toddler gets his or her faith jump started when they are most enthusiastic about learning. This is how we prayed, with the help of a stuffed animal of her choosing to act out the words:

"Thank you, God

for feet to run

Thank you for

my play and fun.

For eyes to see,

For hands to lift,

For food to eat

And every gift

That makes me strong

and wish to sing

Thank you, God

for everything."*

I highly recommend a bedtime routine to keep your child's life in balance. Including prayer starts your child's faith journey and teaches compassion. Why not begin this practice tonight?  Choose prayers that suit you, your child and your faith.  God bless you.

*I wish I knew the author of this prayer to give credit and my personal appreciation.