Bedtime 101: How to Ensure a Smooth Night for the Kids (and Parents!)

You’ve been called in to cover for parents on date night, and you’re ready for a fun evening. But when it’s time to wind down, getting the child to bed can be more challenging than expected. The excitement of a new person in the house often keeps them buzzing with energy. They may ask to watch just one more show or keep wandering out of their room, claiming they can’t sleep. It can feel like a never-ending cycle of coaxing them back to bed. And the last thing you want is for parents to come home at midnight and find their child wide awake.

So, as a care provider, how can you ensure bedtime goes smoothly? There are thoughtful strategies to approach this situation that not only help the child settle in but also create a sense of calm and consistency. Here's how to navigate these moments with care.

1. Set the Tone Early

Bedtime success starts long before it’s actually time for bed. As a care provider, the energy you bring into the home early on will influence how smoothly the evening goes. Children pick up on excitement, and it’s easy for that energy to escalate as the night progresses. 

Set a calm, steady tone right from the beginning. Engage the child in activities that are fun but won’t over-stimulate them. Consider things like puzzles, reading, or quiet games. These activities allow the child to enjoy themselves without getting too hyped up.

2. Create a Predictable Transition to Bedtime

Children often thrive on routine, and even though you’re new to the household, you can still create a predictable flow toward bedtime. After dinner, gently begin the transition by winding down activities. Turn off electronics early—screen time stimulates the brain and makes it harder for children to settle.

You could say something like, “Let’s start getting ready for bed in a few minutes. How about we read a book after brushing your teeth?” This lets the child know what to expect without a jarring shift in energy.

3. Empower the Child with Simple Choices

One way to ease the resistance to bedtime is by offering the child small, manageable choices. For example, ask them, “Would you like to pick out your pajamas, or should I?” or “Which book would you like to read before bed?” By giving them the opportunity to make decisions, you allow them to feel a sense of control over their routine, which can reduce pushback.

4. Stick to the Routine, Even if It’s Different from Yours

Every family has their own approach to bedtime routines for kids. Maybe it involves a favorite song, multiple stories, or a specific nightlight ritual. As a care provider, it’s important to respect the family’s routine as closely as possible, even if it differs from what you might do. 

When children see that their bedtime isn’t drastically different just because a new person is in charge, they’ll feel more secure and relaxed. If the child asks for something unfamiliar to you, simply remind them that their parents will be home soon, and it’s important to follow the usual routine in the meantime.

5. Remain Calm During Resistance

If a child is resisting bedtime, it is important to remain calm and patient. It’s easy to get frustrated when a child doesn’t stay in bed, but responding with irritation will only fuel their resistance.

Instead, calmly guide them back to their bed each time, offering reassurance: “It’s bedtime now, and your body needs rest. You’ll feel so much better in the morning if you get some sleep.” Repetition is often part of the process, and while it can feel exhausting, the more consistent and calm you remain, the more likely the child will eventually settle.

Helpr Pro Tip: Remind the child that their parents will be home soon, and you’ll be right there if they need anything. Sometimes just hearing that someone is nearby can help a child settle down and drift off.

Bedtime as a Calming Ritual

Bedtime doesn’t have to be a battle. By setting a calm tone early, respecting routines, and providing a gentle but firm approach to resistance, you can help children transition smoothly into sleep. The goal is not just to get the child to bed but to create a space where they feel calm, safe, and reassured—even in the absence of their parents. With thoughtful strategies and a focus on calm consistency, bedtime can become a positive experience for both you and the families you serve.