The nighttime routine can be a tricky one. Studies have shown everywhere that kids thrive on a routine and schedule. Real life seems to get in the way a lot though, doesn’t it? We frequently have events or meetings that interfere with the actual time of bed, and my toddlers end up heading that way later than usual. On nights like these I am so grateful that we have a routine in place. Because they know the order things happen, their little bodies still wind down and find their way to dreamland because they know what to expect.
I received samples and compensation in exchange for this post, all ideas and opinions are my own.
A key component to our bedtime routine is story time. We are loving the new book Power Down, Little Robot By Anna Staniszewski.
This cute book tells the story of Little Robot who is all about stalling when Mom Unit says it is time to power down. Every kid can relate to Little Robots stalling tactics, which makes it such a fun read! The illustrations, by Tim Zeltner, take this book over the top and just make it a must have for any family!
Visit their website here to download some great Sleepy Time Tips and the cutest door hanger for your own little robot’s room. Find online retailers here as well, this book will be a fast favorite at your house, I promise.
Lately my 4-year-old has been exerting some independence when it comes to his routine, I decided to make some fun physical reminders with him to keep visible so he knows what is coming next. Because he loves Power Down, Little Robot so much, we used that as our jumping off point for the project.
Using scraps of paper I cut a whole bunch of rectangles, squares, and triangles.
Then I let my son go to town with a glue stick to create some robots.
We talked about the steps to bedtime and added some key shapes to his pictures. He loved this part, how fun is making a bed for a robot?
These pictures remind him what is coming next, and makes our routine run a little smoother.
This project is a great way to talk about shapes and colors with any age preschooler and can also just be for fun! Who doesn’t need a robot army lining their walls!?
Sandy Cain
Saturday 14th of March 2015
Super idea! I'd love to incorporate this into my non-routine and get some organization done around here now!
lisa
Friday 6th of March 2015
This is a really cute book and idea! My kids have a bedtime routine but it's always accompanied with groans and slow footsteps to bed.
valerie g
Friday 6th of March 2015
this looks great. I think kids should have a routine as well.
Jenny Temcio
Thursday 5th of March 2015
This is adorable! What a cute way to get your child to remember to do little things such as brushing his teeth.
Vera Sweeney
Thursday 5th of March 2015
What a cute story for the kids!! It seems kids are the best at stalling for bedtime!!!