An Hour Before Bedtime

I am waiting to step into the coveted shoes of motherhood. But if you ask me, what would be a perfect and fun bedtime routine that I would like to share with my kids, it would most likely be the one I had while growing up. My bedtime routine when I was a kid can be summarized in three words - bath, fragrance and story. I was born in the 80s. There was no such thing as late night shows then, and no one heard a thing about the internet. Most of the evenings were spent watching a show on Doordarshan, followed by dinner and some family activities. Even thinking about it brings solace, isn’t it? But what was most exciting for me then was what followed post dinner and a game of carom - my bedtime routine.

It started with brushing teeth and followed by a lazy bath. I would love to do the same with my kids. Kids love playing with water and allowing them to take their toys in the bath tub adds to the fun quotient. What better companion than their favorite buddies to play in the water? And there are loads of fun toys available in the market these days, which adds both fun and color to the whole bathing experience. I bet, every kid loves it. Also, dazzle the bathroom with baby toiletries - animal shaped soap, tear-free shampoo and bubble gum flavored toothpaste.

Though there is nothing surreal about tubs, toys and water, but the vivid imagination of a child can make it magical and fun. I would let them play for sometime. Though in the winters, I will make sure to make it warm, luxurious and little fast. It should be like a 'fun therapy' for kids to prepare their bodies for sound sleep. But before going to the bathroom, I would ask them to pick up their favorite night dress from their closet. There is a vibrant range of night dresses available these days. I would love to stock a few of their favorite cartoon characters so that it adds sparkle to the whole bedtime routine. After the brush and bath time, the real action would begin.

I would add some special effect lights in my kids room. And also, some glow stickers on the roof to make it look like a star-studded sky. I've heard kids love such special effects in the room. It gives a wonderland feel to the plain concrete walls and ceiling. Then, I would tuck them in their bed and make sure that they are comfortable. After that, I would sit by their side and read one of their favorite story books. In fact, I have already selected a few of the children's books from the ones available in the market. In the end of the bedtime routine, I would give them colorful books to browse through and create their own fantasies. Some lone time to let my child take flight into the mystical world of dreams.

So, for my kids the bedtime rituals would be - brush, bath and their favorite books to prepare them for a sound sleep. A sound sleep would ensure that they wake up smiling and happy.

So, what was your bedroom routine as a kid? Did you guys read or watched cartoons?

Check Pampers website to know more about kids and what makes them happy.

Image Source - www.inthenightgarden.co.uk