Bedtime Games for Kids

Play bedtime games with your kids to make getting to bed easier.

Getting young kids to go to bed is one of the biggest challenges of being a parent. It may seem that it's just around bedtime when children really start to get wound up. Quiet, relaxing bedtime games and rituals are one effective way to calm down kids so they will sleep. Not only will bedtime games relax kids, but they're also one way to bond with your children and make family memories.

Toy Scavenger Hunt

Because nagging your kids about picking up their toys before bedtime is exhausting, Parenting.com recommends having a toy scavenger hunt before bed. Not only will you not have to nag, you'll also get a clean house and the kids will begin what can become a nightly just-before-bedtime ritual. Provide each child with a bag or box and give each child the task of finding and picking up particular toys based on what needs putting away. As each toy is found, your child can put the toy in her bag. When all the toys are picked up, it's time to put them away in their proper location.

Goodnight

Your kids don't just have to say goodnight to parents or other caretakers and siblings--they can say goodnight to all the important things in life. To play Goodnight, tuck your child into bed and have her say goodnight to many of the important parts of her world. She can say goodnight to the moon, the stars, her house, her bedroom and her bed. You can even combine Goodnight with your Toy Scavenger Hunt and have her say goodnight to her toys as she puts them away for the night

Today I...

After you've tucked your child into bed is a good time to play Today I... To play Today I..., have your child begin by saying, "Today I..." and then have him talk about his favorite things that he did that day. You can also talk about happy or sad things that happened, and how your child felt about these things. You can share what you did that day as well. To expand on Today I..., you can also talk about your plans for the next day.

Shadow Puppets

Once it's dark outside, you can turn out the lights in the house and shine a bright light or flashlight on a clear wall and make shadow puppets with your hands. Arrange your hands in various positions to see what animals or figures you can make with your hands' shadows. After you and your child become adept at making different figures with your hands, consider telling stories about your shadow puppets just before your child goes to sleep.

References

• Parenting: 8 Fun Games to End Bedtime Struggles
• Good Nights: Bedtime Adventures
• Good Nights: ShadowPuppet Theater
• Baby Center: Bedtime Rituals