Slowing Down: Our Little Screen-Free Bedtime Shift
Finding Calm at the End of the Day
Lately, I’ve been realising how our evenings were starting to feel… a bit too rushed. Dinner dishes on the counter, toys scattered everywhere, and a TV glowing in the corner while I tried to wrangle pyjamas and toothbrushes.
By the time my daughter was tucked in, she was still buzzing with energy — and if I’m honest, so was I.
So, we tried something small: no screens 1 hour before bedtime.
What Happened When We Switched Off
I half-expected protests. After all, winding down with a cartoon had become part of the routine. But instead, something lovely unfolded.
We built a cosy little den in the living room, gathered up her favourite soft toys, and opened a book. Then another. Then she decided it was her turn to “read” — complete with made-up voices and dramatic page turns.
We giggled, whispered, and talked about her day — the tiny details that usually slip by in the evening rush.
And when it was finally bath time & lights-out, she was calm. No bouncing off the walls. No “just one more show.” Just sleepy cuddles and a goodnight kiss.
The Difference I Didn’t Expect
It wasn’t just her — I noticed a change in me too.
Without the background noise of a screen, the evening felt slower. Softer. Like we both had space to breathe again.
It’s not perfect every night — sometimes bedtime still takes a few stories too many — but it’s no longer a battle. It’s become one of my favourite parts of the day.
Because in those quiet, screen-free moments, I get to see her as she is — content, imaginative, and wonderfully herself.
💫 Making the everyday moments more magical — even the bedtime ones.