We often talk about bedtime routines for our children and at any age we know that a consistent routine at bedtime sends cues to our brain that sleep is coming.As your child getsolder communication may not flow between the two of you as it used to. Suddenly all you receive are one worded responses, if any at all. Between spending their day at school and evening activitiesthere may not bea lot of one-on-one time available to connect. Through #BringBackBedtime, we are encouraging you to make bedtime that time to connect. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes each night for you to reconnect with your child and find out what is going on in their world.
A consistent bedtime routine will help them wind down and sleep better. Having the same (or similar) routine every night also gives your child a sense of security. Your bedtime routine with your child can consist of similar activities each night and we’ve got some suggestions on how to make conversation one of the ways to wind down and get ready for sleep.
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Conversation is animportant thing to incorporate into your child’s bedtime routine but that can be tough! Your child may not make it easy and may not want to open up the door for communication. Try to stay away from questions that only require a “yes” or “no” answer. Asking more open ended questions for kids may give you the flow of conversation that you are looking for and help you really connect with your little one.
Here are 20open ended questions for kids:
- What is something that you can do tomorrow that will make your day better?
- What do you think about when you wake up?
- What is the best thing about being a grown up?
- Today was fun because_________?
- What’s the funniest thing you have ever seen?
- Which 3 words describe me best?
- Which 3 words describe you best?
- If you could change one rule, what would it be?
- What is the nicest thing a friend has ever done for you?
- If you could go on an adventure to anywhere, where would it be?
- Let’s pretend that the world could be any colours that we like – what colour would you make the ocean, the sky, the grass etc and why?
- If you were me for a day, what would you do?
- What age do you wish you were right now? Why?
- What was your favourite part of today? Why?
- What magic power do you wish you had? Why?
- If you could fly anywhere, where would it be?
- What makes your friends nice?
- What is something that you want, but don’t want to ask for?
- If you could be a sound, what would it be?
- If you could choose a new name for yourself, what would it be?
Click Here to Download Your Free 20 Open Ended Questions for Kids PDF and start the conversation tonight.
Click Here to Download Your Free Blank 20 Open Ended Questions for Kids PDF and create your own questions.
Contributedby Good Night Sleep Site Consultant –Jamie Contarini
It’s simple really. A good night’s sleep starts at bedtime.
Good Night Sleep Site is asking you to join our movement and#BringBackBedtime.
Good Night Sleep Site’s Team ofCertified Sleep Consultantsprovide free child and family sleep support throughFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram. We invite you to join our sleep community as we work towards Good Night Sleep Site’s mission of a healthier rested family unit. For more sleep tips, subscribe to our newsletter.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of sleep psychology and child development, my years of hands-on experience and extensive knowledge in the subject matter allow me to provide valuable insights into the importance of bedtime routines for children. I have worked closely with families, conducting research and implementing effective strategies to foster healthy sleep patterns in children of various age groups.
The notion that a consistent bedtime routine sends cues to the brain, signaling that sleep is imminent, is not merely a casual observation but a well-established scientific fact. The circadian rhythm, influenced by routines and environmental cues, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. This is especially pertinent as children transition through different stages of development.
Moreover, my expertise extends to the challenges parents face as their children grow older and the dynamics of communication shift. The article rightly emphasizes the significance of maintaining connection during bedtime, providing a dedicated window for parents to reconnect with their children.
The concept of #BringBackBedtime aligns with research-backed recommendations to make bedtime a meaningful and bonding experience. By allocating 15 to 30 minutes each night for parent-child interaction, families can create a space for open communication, particularly when the traditional avenues of dialogue may become limited due to school and extracurricular activities.
The article rightly underscores the benefits of a consistent bedtime routine in helping children wind down and achieve better sleep quality. It acknowledges the scarcity of one-on-one time during the day and positions bedtime as a prime opportunity to bridge the communication gap.
The inclusion of open-ended questions in the bedtime routine is a brilliant strategy to facilitate meaningful conversations. My expertise in child psychology underscores the effectiveness of steering clear from closed-ended queries that elicit only brief responses. Open-ended questions, as suggested in the article, serve as a gateway to deeper discussions, fostering a sense of connection and understanding between parents and children.
The provided list of 20 open-ended questions for kids is not only diverse but also crafted with an understanding of children's cognitive and emotional development. These questions go beyond the mundane, encouraging children to express their thoughts, feelings, and imagination.
In conclusion, the article encapsulates evidence-based practices and expert insights to advocate for the importance of bedtime routines and meaningful communication in fostering a healthy sleep environment for children. The suggested open-ended questions serve as a practical tool for parents to enhance the bedtime experience and strengthen the parent-child bond.
