Beating Bedtime Blues

If your house is anything like mine, the very mention of "Bedtime" can cause even the joyfullest of children to melt into a puddle of toxic death.

Some nights are better than others...The good nights seem to be on the nights when Dad is home and can work his mood-changing magic. :-)

Here is an example of his sweet skills that I envy....

Last night we were ready for bed and sat down to do our family scripture reading. We made it about a chapter before kids were chatting with each other about the days events and fighting over who gets to sleep with what, and who slept with this and that the night before.

They were totally checked out from what we were trying to focus on. So I ended the chapter we were on and announced, "Done, off to Bed." 

Instantly, we hear "No, we'll listen, We'll listen!!"

I was tired and ready to just drag them kicking and screaming off to bed when Dad pipped in with an idea.

Since we were sitting in somewhat of a circle he said before anyone could go to bed we would have to say something nice about the person to our right -- Instantly smiles spread across our little ones faces. We went around the circle, taking our time, letting each kid express their own thoughts and as many as they wished about the person to their right, then watched them intently listen to what others had to say.

We ended -- said bedtime prayers -- gave hugs -- then shuffled off to bed...everyone in great moods.

I share this because we have decided to make this a family tradition. Each night before prayers we will go around the circle and express our love and appreciation for one another.

This will invite the spirit into your home. Plus I think, the older our kids get the less we cuddle and kiss them....the busier we become, the less time we take to express our love and praises to them, even for the simplest of things.

Older kids might grumble and think its lame but they might be the ones who need to hear these expressions of love the most.

So tonight before bed, try this with your family.

Do this and I promise your family bond will grow, and maybe your bedtime with little ones wont be as rough.