Six Things Every Parent Should Include in Their Night Routine

Bedtime can be a pain for both, parent and child. We love our kids, but we are so ready to see those peaceful little booger faces sleeping away to dream land.
Having a great night routine can make life easier and boost your positivity as a parent. I've noticed how great my mood is in the mornings. I feel calm and ready to tackle the day ahead.

I'm sharing with you my nightly routine. Just know I'm not perfect because baby some nights I'm just not for it. Those nights I don't do my night routine I have hell to pay the next day. I guarantee implementing these tips into your night routine will help you feel as amazing as I do when I put it to good use.

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Tidy House or Zoom Clean

There is nothing more satisfying than waking up to a clean home in the mornings. That is especially true for those of us who are parents. Waking up to dishes in the sink and toys all over the floor makes mornings dreadful and rushed. Taking the time to tidy before going to bed is a game changer. You will wake up in such a better, and brighter mood.

What tidying the house looks like to me is going through and just putting everything back in its place. Putting away any laundry that may be hanging around. Picking up toys that keep catching my feet. Washing dishes, wiping all surfaces including the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Vacuuming all the floors and throwing a load of laundry in the wash right before going to bed. I try to wash and dry them before I go to sleep so I can go straight into folding them in the morning.

You are not in this alone. You have your partner to help with some of the load. Even get your kiddos involved. They can put their things away before bed and whatever else that is age appropriate for them to do.

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Prepare for Tomorrow

I don't know how many times I have woken up and can't get my day started right. Mom brain and morning fog is real. Setting your clothes out at night helps create a productive start to your day. Working out first thing in the morning is best for me. It's when I have the most energy. If my workout clothes aren't out, it just throws everything out off track for me. Sneaking in and out of the room is not my cup of tea. I tend to forget things and will go in the room several times. Disturbing someone's sleep is something I dislike doing.

Making sure I have my workout clothes, an outfit for my son and I is essential. We only have one car, so we ride with my husband in the mornings to take him to work. We are dressed and ready before my husband wakes up most mornings. It takes so much stress off my shoulders to be prepared for the next day.

Planning Session

 Take 5 to 10 minutes to plan for tomorrow. Go through your planner and see what is coming up that may need early preparation. Do you have any bills to pay, or parties to attend. Make a to do list of things you need to work on the next day. Make it a short and sweet list so you don't get overwhelmed. You don't want to set yourself up for not being able to complete your to do list. I always look a few days ahead to make sure I'm prepared for upcoming events.

 Self Care

Do something that brings you joy and relaxation. It could be a hobby you may have recently picked up. I have a few hobbies, but they need a lot more concentration than what I have in the evenings. Reading is my go-to. Reading is a doorway to another world. It's a place to escape to and live another life for just a little bit. Other than that, taking a bubble bath or doing a puzzle are great as well. Just find what works best for you.

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 Sleep - Most Important

Going to bed at a decent time to get the most rest possible is crucial. Being an early riser, it takes a toll on me when I go to sleep late. The latest I go to sleep without feeling exhausted in the mornings is 10 pm. My bedtime is set at 9 pm because I always wake up between 5:30 and 6 am. It never fails. Do yourself one and go to bed early. It makes a difference, okay.
These are 5 must do things to have a productive and successful start to the day. Tidy your home, plan and prepare for tomorrow. Most importantly, don't forget about that self-care because it equals self-love.