The Perfect School Night Routine for Kids (That Actually Works!)

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A good school night routine is essential for kids. Without enough rest, children can struggle with learning, socializing, and behavior the next day. But let’s be honest — getting kids to bed on time is not always easy.

That’s why in this post, I’m walking you through how to build and maintain a simple and effective nighttime routine for your child. One that sets them up for a great day at school.

How Much Sleep Do Elementary School Kids Need?

Before we talk routines, let’s first answer the big question: How much sleep should elementary-aged kids get?

According to the CDC, children between the ages of 6 and 12 need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. The younger they are, the closer they should be to the 12-hour mark.

So if your child needs to wake up at 6:00 AM to get ready for school, they should ideally be asleep by 8:00 or 9:00 PM the night before.

What Should a School Night Routine Include?

Let’s break down the basics. A healthy evening routine should help your child wind down and feel ready for bed without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Here’s what to include:

Things to Include:

  • Homework and school prep

  • Bathing and brushing teeth

  • Relaxing activities or calm playtime

  • A consistent bedtime

Things to Avoid:

  • High-energy activities that make it harder to wind down

  • Sugary snacks or drinks close to bedtime

  • Screen time, since blue light can affect sleep

  • Staying up too late


Sample School Night Routine for Kids

Let’s say your goal is to have lights out by 8:30 PM so your child can be asleep by 9:00. Here’s an example of how your evening could look:

  • 5:00 to 5:30 PM — Dinner

  • 5:30 to 6:30 PM — Homework

  • 6:30 to 6:45 PM — Bath or shower

  • 6:45 to 7:00 PM — Brush teeth and put on pajamas

  • 7:00 to 8:00 PM — Quiet playtime or relaxing activities

  • 8:00 to 8:30 PM — Final bathroom trips, bedtime stories, and lights out

Tip: Always schedule the more active or focused tasks earlier in the evening. For example, putting homework too close to bedtime can leave your child feeling mentally wired or stressed, making it harder to fall asleep.

Tips to Make Bedtime Easier

Now that we’ve covered the routine, here are a few extra tips that can help things run more smoothly:

1. Use blackout curtains

If your child’s bedtime is before it gets dark outside, blackout curtains can help create the right atmosphere for sleep.

2. Keep the house quiet

Noise can make it harder for kids to fall asleep. If possible, keep things calm and quiet around bedtime. That might mean skipping TV in the living room and doing quiet activities instead.

3. Think about your child’s specific needs

Some kids are afraid of the dark and may need a nightlight. Others may want a favorite stuffed animal or a special routine to feel safe. Pay attention to what helps your child feel calm and comforted.

4. Stick to a regular schedule

Bedtime routines work best when they’re consistent. Even if your weekends look a little different, try to keep bedtime close to the same each night. This helps your child’s body recognize when it’s time to rest.


Final Thoughts

Creating a school night routine may take some effort at first, but once it becomes a habit, it will make your evenings smoother and mornings a lot less stressful. A consistent routine helps your kids get the sleep they need to thrive in school and beyond.

If you found this post helpful, be sure to explore my other content on parenting, home life, and family wellness. I’m here to help moms like you simplify the everyday.

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