Bedtime is not always a walk in the park. Often your kids don’t want to go to sleep and that results in an impossible struggle…which parents usually lose. Once and while, this might be expected. But if this fight is becoming a part of your nightly routine, it’s not a positive thing for you or your kids. Bed time should be about unwinding from the day and relaxing – not kicking and screaming. To try and make the bedtime tango a little more manageable with your kids, try these bedtime hacks. These are simple DIY ideas that will calm your kids down and make bedtime a whole lot easier for mom and dad.

Try all these simple DIYs to see which ones your kids respond to best. Then incorporate this into your nightly routine and say goodnight to frustrating bedtimes.

BATH SALTS

If your kid takes a bath at the end of the day (to get clean post-playing or just to get ready for bed) add some of these essential oil bath salts to their bath.

Combine coarse salt with any essential oil (lavender is especially soothing), and put those salts into the water for a calming aromatherapy session for your child.

MASSAGE LOTION BARS

After their bath, try cleaning your kids with these massage lotion bars. This little massage is not only great for their skin, but is very soothing and sure to put them right to sleep.

Combine cocoa butter and coconut oil in a bowl over a slightly larger bowl with hot water in it. This will assure that everything will melt nicely. Then add a few drops of your favorite essential oils and pour the mixture into molds. Let sit in the fridge for 1 hour to solidify into lotion bars.

This might be a bit tiring to do before PJ time EVERY night, so maybe try this once or twice a week. Also, don’t be afraid to make some bars for yourself, too!

BEDTIME SNACK

If you eat dinner on the earlier side, your kids might want a snack before bed. Definitely go with bananas – the natural magnesium and potassium in them are muscle relaxers and will ease anyone into sleep. Top with almond butter or peanut butter for extra yumminess.

WIND DOWN PLAY TIME

A way to relax your younger kids might be to play a low-key game, or even complete a puzzle. This shouldn’t be anything that hypes them up more, but something stagnant that will further calm them down. Follow up with a bedtime story for extra-relaxation.

PILLOW SPRAY

For your bed or your kids’ bed, spritz this pillow spray on every few days to fill your bedroom with a warm, relaxing smell.

Combine distilled water, witch hazel, lavender oil, and orange essential oils into a spray bottle and spray onto bed sheets and pillows when necessary. I can only imagine how amazing this must smell!

NIGHTLIGHT AND DEHUMIDIFIER

When your kids get old enough to be more aware of the dark, it might be time to get them a nightlight. Dehumidifiers also provide not just a nice relaxing hum, but they purify the air, helping your kids sleep easier.

As far as nightlights go, we love pink Himalayan salt lamps, because they are natural air purifiers, too. Kids with breathing problems might benefits from this double dose of dehumidifiers. Go for an amber color, as it is the most relaxing color of all, and it just looks so darn cool.

Do you have any tips and tricks for an easy bedtime for your family? Share your ideas in the comments section below.