(for energetic kids; especially with long days at home)

Do you find children seem to amp things up a notch just when it’s time to wind down? More often than not, children will begin to experience a subconscious separation anxiety as the day draws to an end.

Evenings tend to be filled with a sense of hustle (even if we’re now working from home!) - packing up toys, getting dinner ready, bedtime routines...It’s also when children begin to sense they will have to stop all the things they enjoy - playing, eating, socialising - AND that they will be parted from you for the longest time. So what do they do?

They show you it really isn’t time for bed and they aren’t really tired by amping up the energy and playful vibes. Sometimes all you need to do is take time and connect with your children. Whether it is simply reading a story together, recounting your day, or even cooking together, it can be enough to help emotionally prepare children for the end of day. (Accompanied by a consistent bedtime routine - e.g. bath, story time, bed).

For energetic kids, this might not quite be enough. Here are a few simple and calm ideas to try before bed:

• Loose parts play (loose parts can be anything like buttons, shells, leaves, bottle tops, etc). Loose parts are often very tactile and soothing. You can work together to create mandalas or patterns- the repetition and focus helps us both mentally and physically reset and unwind.
• Puzzles
• Yoga / Meditation

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