A nightly bedtime ritual helps your child ease into sleep. The bedtime routine may include a warm bath, reading stories, singing songs and rocking together. Including games in the bedtime routine may help your child take more interest in heading to bed on time. Games also give you a chance to bond with your child before he goes to sleep.
Bedtime Scavenger Hunt
A nightly scavenger hunt is a creative way for your child to gather the items necessary for bedtime. "Parenting" magazine recommends hiding items like pajamas, toothbrush, stuffed animal and a bedtime book around the house. Your child looks around the house to find each of the items before starting the bedtime routine. Hide the items in locations that lead her toward her bedroom or the bathroom, so she can get ready when she finds everything.
Toy Pickup Challenge
Picking up toys before your child goes to bed leaves you with a clean house and teaches your child responsibility for his possessions. Turn the toy pickup into a game by timing your child to see how fast he can get all of his toys into the correct spot. This game also allows your child to burn off any remaining energy so he can fall asleep. Play the game at a slower pace if you think a fast-paced toy pickup will cause your child to have difficulty falling asleep.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a calm, quiet game for bedtime. Choose a favorite puzzle to put together with your child right before she gets into bed. Take turns placing pieces onto the puzzle. Other puzzle games to play include crossword puzzles, word finds and mazes. Look for a book full of the word puzzles if your child enjoys this activity at bedtime.
Warm or Cool
While your child is brushing his teeth or picking up for bedtime, hide his favorite stuffed animal somewhere in his room. Encourage your child to look around the room for the animal. As he gets closer to the hiding spot, tell him he is getting warmer. If he walks further away from the stuffed animal, tell him he is getting cooler. When he finds his stuffed animal, it's time to get into bed and finish up the bedtime routine with songs, books or cuddling.
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