Montessori Routines

How to make a bedtime routine chart for kids

A bedtime routine chart lists the steps from bath to lights out as pictures, in the same order every night. Keep it short, end with a calm step such as reading together, and hang it where your child gets ready for bed.

Updated

Make this chart

How to do it

  1. Start at the same time

    The chart works best when bedtime starts at the same time each night, so the first step is the signal.

  2. List five or six steps

    Bath, pajamas, brush teeth, use the toilet, read a book, and lights out is a common order.

  3. End with something calm

    Reading or a quiet song as the last step gives your child something to look forward to.

  4. Hang it in the bedroom or bathroom

    Put it at your child's eye level where the first steps happen.

  5. Keep the order for a few weeks

    Change one step at a time, and only when something keeps going wrong.

Make a picture routine chart

Chart

Steps

Add a step

  1. 1Bath
  2. 2Pajamas
  3. 3Brush my teeth
  4. 4Use the toilet
  5. 5Read a book
  6. 6Lights out
Bedtime routine

Evening

  1. 1Bath
  2. 2Pajamas
  3. 3Brush my teeth
  4. 4Use the toilet
  5. 5Read a book
  6. 6Lights out

Questions parents ask

How long should a bedtime routine take?
Twenty to forty minutes is usual for young children. A chart with five or six steps fits in that time.
Can siblings share one chart?
Yes, if they follow the same steps. Print one with both names, or one each if their bedtimes differ.
Should screens be on the chart?
Most families leave screens out of the hour before bed and end with a book instead.