Free Night Routine Cards for Kids To Make Bedtime Easy!
Tired of the bedtime power struggles? If you’re a parent, you know what I mean. It’s the extra drink of water, “just one more story,” and getting wound up just when your child is supposed to wind down.
If your kid tries to play you as soon as you say “time for bed,” this simple routine idea can save the day.
These free night routine cards for kids simplify getting ready for bed by breaking down tasks into fun, easy steps.
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Key Benefits of Using Routine Cards
Using night routine cards has several important benefits.
- They provide structure. Kids know what to expect, which helps reduce anxiety and control struggles.
- Routine cards encourage independence and responsibility. Children can mentally check off tasks, which boosts their confidence, helps them take ownership, and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
- Visual cues help them remember what to do next, making it easier to grasp the routine.
- Using the cards helps kids learn to wind down at the end of the day. This helps signal to their bodies that it’s time to sleep.
- Additionally, routine cards can set boundaries for screen time. Limiting electronic use before bed helps kids sleep better.
How to Use the Night Routine Cards
1. First, start by explaining the night routine cards to your child. Briefly discuss why each step is important. For instance, brushing teeth keeps their smile bright, while reading a story helps them relax.
2. Pick the activities together that work best for your family. (You probably won’t need all of the cards.) Include them in the decision process so they feel more invested in the bedtime routine. You can also ask them for ideas on how to improve the routine.
3. Have your kids help you choose the order of the cards.
4. Spend the time to go through them slowly for a few nights. Be involved and model what you want them to do.
5. Be patient as your child learns the routine. Encourage them to ask questions if they are unsure. Over time, they’ll be able to do the routine without even thinking about it.
Consistency is Key!
There are two very important ways to make sure your routine works:
- Keep the same order every night. Following the same steps helps your child remember what to do.
- Set a specific time for the routine. This way, your child knows when to start.
If you can, use a timer to make it fun. Kids often respond well to visual cues. They can see how long they have for each activity.
If you are out of the home or busy, try to stick to these steps as closely as possible. We usually just cut the time for each task (i.e. quiet time may be 5 minutes instead of 20).
Night Routine Card Activities
Creating a night routine for kids makes bedtime smoother. Here are the activities in your cards.
- Put on pajamas
- Read a story
- Have quiet time (we call this “book time” in my house. The kids can read a book, color, or play quietly until lights are out. It gives kids a chance to relax before bed)
- Brush teeth
- Brush hair
- Take a shower or bath
- Get a drink of water
- Turn on the night light or sound machine
- Go to the bathroom
- Say prayers
- Say what you’re grateful for
- Cuddles (you could also try calming breathing exercises)
- Say goodnight
- Lights out
Free Night Routine Card Printables
Sign up to get the free night routine cards sent straight to you:
For morning routine cards, grab them in the Kids Routine Printable Pack in the digital shop.
Best Tips for Bedtime Success
Creating a successful night routine with cards is all about engagement and flexibility. Here are some tips to help you and your child make the most of this experience.
Go With Durability
Select sturdy materials for your cards. Kids can be rough on things, so you want cards that last. Cardstock or laminate plastic works well.
You can also use a hole punch and rings to keep cards together. This makes it easy for kids to flip through them each night.
Provide Positive Reinforcement
If bedtime has been a struggle, reward your child for completing their night routine. Use a sticker chart to track their progress (You can find a great chart in the Routine Pack). For every successful night, they can earn a sticker.
When they collect enough stickers, reward them with a small prize, like extra playtime, a kids coupon, or a favorite treat.
Recognize their efforts often. A simple “Great job!” or “You did it!” can go a long way in keeping them motivated.
Adjust the Routine As Needed
Every child is different, and kids grow and evolve. So be ready to tweak the routine as needed. Pay attention to what works well and what doesn’t.
If your child struggles with a specific task, break it into smaller steps. For example, instead of “brush teeth,” you might say “get your toothbrush” first. There are several blank cards in the free pdf so you can customize extra steps!
Related:
- 13 Bedtime Strategies to Help Kids Wind Down
- 37 Short Bedtime Stories for Kids
- 45 Good Habits for Kids (& Simple Ways to Teach Them)
What’s Next?
Finally, stay positive and encourage your child as they adjust. You are your child have got this!
For more free routine and connection printables, don’t miss the free checklist: