New year - new (bedtime) routine

Ending the day right side up, even when the world feels upside down.

For nearly a year we’ve seen almost all of our routines upended.  We’ve felt loss.  We’ve felt freedom. And many feelings in between.  

Typically, as a writer and literacy specialist I tout the powerful and enduring routine of bedtime stories.  I recount the long-term benefits of filling kid’s last minutes of wakefulness with language and listening.  

But during these challenging times, I’ve been seldom able to focus long enough to read much of anything! When I do summon the energy, I reach for a crossword, or escape into an entertainment newsfeed, or heck, a delivery menu.

And when it comes to reading to my kids at bedtime? Uhhhh…My vision is haggard, I’m devoid of creative energy, I’m zapped from the news of the world, and definitely done with decision making.  And I know I’m not the only one.  

So, instead I offer you my new, top three, bedtime story work arounds.  

First off; Go wordless! Limited word picture books rely on images to tell the tale -like a silent film. Often peaceful, contemplative, and certainly humorous.  They are great way to discover inventive, and often international, authors and illustrators.  Including the likes of as Shaun Tan, Orvind Torsetter, Suzy Lee and Regis Faller (all inspiration for my own work in this genre on The Whale and Zero Local).  

Second; When you can’t beam in other family to take over story time, try outsourcing it to a podcast. I recently partnered with the wonderful team at Grown Ups Read Princess Stories on a few episodes. Their inclusive and insightful collection of, voice talent, and stories from around the world, will keep you in content for months.  

Lasty, go for some word play. Read a list of Knock Knock jokes from your phone.  Listen to a song from the soundtrack of your favourite musical; Lion King, Matilda, Harry Potter, Newsies, Wicked, Into the Woods to name a few. Or if you want a screen break, lend your voice to my favourite compound word game from my teaching days.  

Say: Cowboy,  

 Cowboy! 

 Now say it again but don’t say Cow.  

 Say: Rainbow, 

 Rainbow! 

 Now say it again, but don’t say Rain! 

You can go on and on with words like riverbank, steamboat, dancehall, dragonfly, beanbag, whatever strikes your fancy! 

And just like that, you’ll have offered your littles; a supportive routine to help them feel safe.  Laughter and togetherness to let them know they are loved.  And set everyone up for a nice night’s sleep. 

Sweet Dreams!