How to make “bedtime” the best part of your family’s day

In the Willis household, everyone’s least favorite part of the day has been “Bedtime.”

No matter how wonderful the day has been up until bedtime, our drama-filled nightly routine can undo those happy feelings in a heartbeat. There’s often screaming, crying, pleading and tantrums (and that’s just what I’m doing)!

We’ve tried nearly everything imaginable to made bedtime better, but nothing has seemed to work.

A few nights ago, I decided to try a different approach. I realized that I had been fueling the negative tone at bedtime by giving a lot of correction and barking orders, but if I wanted to set a more positive tone, I needed to start with more positive words.

I called a “Family Meeting” where we all sat in the living room and I said that we’d be doing something different before bedtime. I explained that family’s need to encourage on another. We need to build each other up. We were going to go around the room before bed and each family member had to say something they loved and appreciated about everyone else in the group. I volunteered to go first.

I said something like, “Ashley, you’re the best wife and mommy in the world. You’re the heart of this home and I love you so much. Cooper, you’re such a strong leader. I love how you protect your younger brothers and teach them new things. Connor, you have such a big heart. I love how much you care about everyone. Chandler, you’re so brave. I love how you always jump in and try new things. Chatham, you’re the cutest baby ever. You also produce an exceptional amount of poop.” 

(I get a guaranteed laugh from the other boys with any ‘poop’ reference. I’ve changed so many diapers, I’m considering writing a book about my life and calling it ‘American Wiper‘!) 

Everyone took turns after that sharing some compliments and encouragement with each other. We said a prayer and all went upstairs to bed. It was the first time in as long as I can remember that there was peace instead of chaos surrounding bedtime. It reminded me of the power of our words and it reminded me of these important instructions from the Bible:

“So encourage each other and build each other up” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29

Let encouragement set a positive tone in your home (and not just at bedtime)!

One positive tradition we’ve had with bedtime for a long time is our nightly Bedtime Story. It’s the only time all day I have the boys’ full, undivided attention, so I try to make the most of it. I usually tell the boys a story with some kind of lesson built into it. You can read one of their favorites about “Doug the Slug” by clicking here.

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