What Does "Power-Down Hour" Even Mean Anyway?

Bedtime can be tricky for parents, but there's a magical solution called “Power-Down Hour,” which turns evenings into calm, happy family time. Imagine this: after dinner, everyone changes into cozy pajamas and gathers in the dining room. It's a special hour filled with games and stories before bedtime. This routine helps kids sleep better and makes bedtime a breeze.

Power-Down Hour is the hour before your child's bedtime. It's a time for calm activities that help your child relax. It's awesome because it brings the family together for fun activities, improves children's behavior, teaches kids to be present and calm, and even improves maths skills!

Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, a qualified pediatrician, says that if your child feels sleepy or irritable during the day, they might not be getting enough rest. Power-Down Hour is like a little helper for a good night's sleep.

• Pick a Time: Choose a consistent time every day for Power-Down Hour.
• Plan Backwards: Start from bedtime and plan dinner and other routines to keep this time free.
• Choose Fun Activities: Keep it simple at first, but prioritize games that are screen-free and enjoyable for everyone (i.e., don't choose a game you hate!!).

Power-Down Hour is like a mini-vacation before bedtime, especially great for school-aged kids. It helps them wind down after a busy day. According to Dr. Lauren Collins, a certified pediatric sleep consultant, children need restorative sleep to learn better, play, and be their best selves. So, if you want bedtime to be more fun and less stressful, give Power-Down Hour a try in your home. It's a simple, magical way to end the day with smiles and sweet dreams!