A calm bedtime routine with a story
In short: A good bedtime routine is short, predictable and the same most nights: wash and pyjamas, lights low, a story, goodnight words, lights out. Fifteen to twenty minutes is enough. The story is the calm centre; choose one that ends gently rather than excitingly.
A simple order
- Bath or wash, teeth and pyjamas.
- Screens off, lights low, a cuddle on the bed.
- One story of three, five or ten minutes.
- The same goodnight words and lights out.
If your child stalls
“One more story” and “I need water” are normal. Agree on the plan before you start: one story and one song, for example. Be kind and steady, and repeat the same sentence when the extras start.
Choosing the story for the night
After a busy day pick the three-minute option, after a calm day a longer one. Let your child choose from two stories so they feel in charge without opening a negotiation.
Narrated stories and sleep music
Some evenings you are tired too. Black Horse can read the story aloud in a warm voice, and gentle sleep sounds can follow once it ends. Treat that as a helper on hard days, not a replacement for being together on most nights.
Questions
What time should the story start?
Aim for the story to end just before the time you want the lights out, so there is no gap for excitement.
Do screens work for bedtime stories?
Many families prefer paper books or listening with the screen off in the last hour. If you use a device, dim it and let the audio play in the dark.