Pajama Day is another one of our anticipated events in term one. We are aware of the difficulties that are likely to arise in homes over bedtime or getting children to relax into a sleepy state.

Let us consider that children are coming off the summer holiday where bedtime routines were probably relaxed somewhat. For those kindergarteners who have just started to interact with the world around them and learn new things, it can be daunting and cause them to experience difficulties relaxing before bedtime. Some children do find the rigors of daily life stressful and anxiety-laden which can result in sleeping challenges.

With that said, we can surmise that adults should be more mindful about bedtime for children and try to do their very best to make it enjoyable and beneficial to their children. There are many important things to consider to achieve this, however, in this article, I want to pay attention to suitable activities that children could be engaged in to prepare them for bedtime.

Here are a few examples:

• Shower/bath – This serves several purposes. It could cool and calm children down, It certainly will clean them up and could prepare them for my next point.
• Massages- Gentle massages can help children to relax; reduce tension in muscles and help the muscles become stronger; reduce fatigue and maintain healthy muscles. What’s more is that it provides an opportunity for them to be touched. Are you aware that some children are not touched by their parents often although they live with them?
• Lotioning is a good way to introduce massages to children. Massage their hands and feet, paying attention to those little fingers. They are used during a school day.
• Treading beads for older children.
• Puzzles
• Colour and trace
• Listen to or play music
• blow bubbles
• read books including the Bible
• Listen to books being read to them
• listen to audio-books
• breathing exercises
• pray for others
• eat a healthy bedtime snack

Which of the above have you been doing? Which one will you try?

Rev. Dr. Natasha R. Francis-Campbell

October 2023

Photo credit: Jakim Campbell