What's the best evening routine for kids to help them wind down after a busy day?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some ideas on creating a calming evening routine for kids after a hectic day. With their schedules being so busy, I’m interested in tips and activities that help them relax nicely before bedtime. What have you found works best? Any advice or routines that made a difference would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I found that a calm, set time for quiet activities helps my child transition from a busy day to a relaxed evening. Sometimes we wind down together over some light conversation or a story, or they might settle with drawing or reading in a cozy spot. I try to keep the routine flexible and low-pressure so it naturally signals that the day is slowing down and gets ready for bedtime.

I usually set aside the hour before bed as a special time to slow everything down. After dinner, I gently transition my kids from their busy day by turning off screens and switching to softer activities. We sometimes sit together in the living room with some quiet music and chat about little moments that happened during the day. I find that talking about their achievements helps them relax before sleep. It can even be as simple as sharing a cozy moment on the couch, which lets them feel secure and cared for after a busy day. In our home, this little pause makes a big difference in settling down naturally for a good night’s rest :blush:

I’ve been trying a simple quiet-time routine after dinner to help my kid wind down. We dim the lights and choose between a short story or a little drawing time. Sometimes, just sharing that calm space really helps shift from hustle to relaxation. I’m curious to hear if anyone else has noticed similar changes with a routine like this or if you have other quiet activities that work well.