My Best Kept Secret! Big Family Nighttime Sleep Routine

I’m always asked- How is it done?

Times and times again I get an “OMG! how do you do it?!” and my answer is simple- I Have a solid night routine. Thats my secret! For my sanity and to have somewhat of control to all the chaos. A night routine is a must in my household. That’s how I do it and so far, has been a successful routine. Since day-1 I established a sleep routine for my children. This is how I’m able to have a fully functioning household, in addition to everyone getting some adequate sleep & rest.

How I started the sleep routine

It all started with my first child. My first born was due right in the mist of final exams week during my sophomore year in undergrad. When you combine a busy schedule with not having any family support to help, it leaves you no choice but to figure it out, and FAST. Consequently, I knew I had to get a schedule down. Thankfully, he was easy to transition into a sleep schedule.

Because my days consists of long and very active mornings, I always use the nighttime to prep and also to decompress. Currently, 7:45pm is ‘shutdown’ time in my household. The most important and significant thing during ‘shutdown’ is knocking off the Wi-Fi from all devices. They quickly adapted to seeing the pop-up on the devices that tells them ‘No Wi-Fi’ unable to connect. At this time, they go into nighttime mode.

By 7:45pm they get in their last snack, which allows for the kitchen to get cleaned up and shut down. Also, they get to shower (for those that would like to have a nighttime shower). Currently in my household it varies when it comes to showering at night. Finally, they all get their clothes and backpack prepped for the next day. This way, it allows me to still have some energy to pour to them and also have them in bed with enough time for me to also settle down.

Sleep & Rest is important in this household

We all get to have a quiet house by 8pm- Talk about BLISSFUL! (LOL). The goal is for everyone to have quality rest! By the same token, there are times when we have to be flexible with the time for sleep. Nevertheless, the ‘shutdown’ routine is the same- electronics off, followed by last snack, then prepping for the next day, and finally everyone in bed.