By the end of the day, everyone’s tired. As a parent, you may even be counting down the minutes to lights out. But even on those exhausted evenings, taking the time to follow a bedtime routine can offer great benefits for your child, and you! Connecting with your child at bedtime helps create a sense of calm and feelings of safety and closeness. Over time, small but powerful bedtime moments build a strong foundation of trust and emotional connection.

Why You Should Create a Bedtime Routine

Children thrive on predictability, and bedtime is the perfect place to add it. When you create a bedtime routine, you’re giving your child a sense of comfort and control. Knowing what comes next helps them relax and transition from a busy day to a peaceful night—making bedtime calmer for your child, and less stressful for you. With a routine in place, you might even get to bed sooner and get more rest.  A benefit often overlooked.

Simple Moments That Make a Big Impact

A bedtime routine doesn’t have to be long or complicated. It’s about providing a gentle rhythm your child can count on. That might mean taking a bath, brushing teeth, picking out pajamas, and then winding down together with a quiet activity. Reading a book is a favorite for many families—and for good reason. The emotional benefits of bedtime stories include building language skills, sparking imagination, and—perhaps most importantly—creating a cozy moment of connection that helps children feel calm and loved.

A Chance for One-on-One Time

For many families, bedtime might be the only quiet moment in a long, busy day. It’s a natural time to slow down, be present, and enjoy being together without distractions. Even five to ten minutes of your undivided attention can mean so much. Singing a lullaby, telling a story, or simply quietly rocking in a chair together can strengthen the bond you share. When you make time for this, you’re helping your child feel safe, seen, and heard. 

Talking About the Day

Bedtime can be the perfect time to have meaningful conversations with your child. As the day comes to a close, children are often more open to sharing their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions like, “What made you laugh today?” or “What was your favorite activity at school?” Be sure to also ask things like, “Did anything make you sad today?”—and then take the time to  listen closely and respond with empathy. These conversations help children reflect, feel supported, and process emotions, reinforcing that their thoughts and feelings matter.

Comfort Through Touch and Closeness

Physical comfort plays a big role in emotional connection. A gentle hug, stroking your child’s hair, or cuddling close during storytime sends a powerful message: you’re safe, and I’m here. These small acts of love can release calming hormones in both parent and child, lowering stress and helping everyone feel more relaxed.

The Sweet Spot at the End of the Day

Bedtime isn’t just about brushing teeth and turning out the lights—it’s a chance to slow down, laugh a little, snuggle a lot, and make space for what matters most. Establishing consistent bedtime routines might not seem big in the moment, but they do important work: helping your child feel safe, loved, and connected—and, over time, building the foundation for emotional security and a strong parent-child bond.