This post is sponsored by NATROL, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Moments That Matter: Create a Mommy and Me Bedtime Routine

In two weeks, Miss Menaal, whom most of you affectionately know as BabyCake, will be 10 years old! These years have just flown by, and she’s growing into a beautiful young lady. She’s completely my mini-me! She has her own plans, thoughts, and ideas. She wants to be a writer and own a boutique, and she loves history and crafting. I want to help her achieve these aspirations and goals as she gets older. Since she’s growing, I’ve been very intentional about the time that we spend together. Recently, I decided that we can spend special mommy and me time together before bed. This bedtime routine allows us to have some one-on-one time without the boys, and it helps to create a special bond between mother and daughter.

Right before Menaal’s birthday is Daylight Saving Time. I’m happy I created this routine before the time changes, because it will help us smoothly transition and adjust to the longer daylight hours. Every year, as soon as I feel like I’ve gotten a good footing with bedtime, Daylight Saving Time comes along and throws me for a doozy. It affects everyone in my home, and can take a while to adjust. With trial and error (and practice), I definitely feel like I’ve come up with a routine that works for us, and I’ve put a cool spin on how to spend more time with my favorite girl!

How to Create a Mommy and Me Bedtime Routine:

1. Power Down Devices – In this day and age, adults and children use devices. Screens create extra stimulus before bedtime, and it can be harder to fall asleep. Shut down your children’s devices – I actually collect all devices at the end of the day. Also store your phone away! A change in your child’s bedtime routine or the use of electronic devices just before bed are a couple of things that can disrupt normal melatonin production and make falling asleep more difficult.† Mommy and Me Time should have no distractions, and it’s the time during the day where you can give your children your undivided attention.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

2. Do A Quiet Activity Together That You Both Enjoy – It’s best to find ways to relax before bedtime. Menaal loves to read, and she loves history. We like to grab a book and read a few pages before sleep and then discuss what we’ve read. Another of our favorite quiet activities before bedtime is meditation. I find that meditation helps children to fall asleep faster because they are more relaxed and calm. During this time, be sure to minimize lighting as well.

3. Consider Taking a Melatonin Supplement If You Need Extra Help – Melatonin is a nighttime sleep aid that assists with occasional sleeplessness. When we experience occasional sleeplessness and disturbances like Daylight Saving Time, I make sure to add it to our bedtime routine. We like Natrol Melatonin and Natrol Kids Melatonin, which is the #1 selling Melatonin brand in America. Natrol Melatonin helps to establish normal sleep patterns to give you a more restful, relaxing sleep and in turn, better overall health. Research shows that 7+ hours of sleep per night equates to better health and performance, and plays a key role in the ability to learn, solve problems and maintain a healthy mental outlook. This is so important for both myself, and my children!

Natrol Melatonin comes in great tasting, strawberry flavored gummies as well Fast Dissolve in a strawberry flavor that tastes great and dissolves quickly in the mouth. They are fast-acting and perfect for those that have a hard time with swallowing vitamins and supplements.

Benefits of Natrol Melatonin Gummies:

• Fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer 
• Non-GMO
• Gelatin-free and Vegetarian
• No artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives
• Great tasting strawberry flavor

Benefits of Natrol Kids Melatonin:

• Helps your child fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer 
• Safe & effective for ages 4 and up
• 100% Drug-free and non-habit forming
• Non-GMO, vegan & free of gluten, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives
• Great tasting berry flavored gummy
• Pediatrician recommended*
• #1 Melatonin brand in America

*Recommended by The Canadian Pediatric Society

I don’t want to miss out on these special moments with my baby girl, so I hope we can keep this new bedtime routine going! I’m going to be ready for Daylight Saving Time so we can smoothly transition into more daylight hours during spring well rested. You can find Natrol Melatonin & Natrol Kids Melatonin at local drug stores, select grocers, warehouse clubs and online retailers.

Do you have a bedtime routine for your children?