Teaching kids to create better routines for school is important to help kids transition from home life to school, but these routines are also helpful to develop your child’s character.
After a long day of classes and extracurricular activities, it’s important for students to have an established evening routine to wind down and prepare for the next day. A typical night routine for school may include homework, dinner, and some relaxation time.
For students who have trouble winding down at night, there are a few things that can be done to help ease into a sleep routine.

What to Expect:
- What should my night routine be?
- What is a good night routine for school?
- School night routine list
What should my night routine be?
A good night’s sleep is essential for our health. It helps us to focus, think, and work better. It can also help you sleep better, improve your mood, and make your mornings more enjoyable.
But how do we get a good night’s sleep?
Here are some tips on what your night routine should be and how to create good sleep habits:
- Have a consistent bedtime routine: This includes brushing your teeth, washing your face and hands, and changing into pajamas.
- Set the mood: Dim the lights and make sure that it is quiet in the room.
- Stick to a schedule: Go to bed at the same time every day – this will help you fall asleep faster.
- Get enough sleep: The recommended amount of sleep depends on your age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, infants need 12-16 hours of sleep (including naps), toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep, preschoolers need 3-5 hours of sleep, kids age 6-12 need a regular sleep schedule with at least 9-12 hours of sleep, and older kids need 8-10 hours of sleep.
- Exercise: Exercise is important for staying healthy and feeling happy. Bonus points for getting outside activity and sunlight.
- Eat a nutritious dinner early: Avoid eating dinner after 7 p.m. to give yourself time to digest food before bedtime.
- Do not drink caffeine for a few hours before bedtime. You may find that it’s helpful to avoid caffeinated drinks after 3 p.m.
- Go to bed at a consistent time every night to get better sleep.
- Have a relaxing bath or shower before bedtime.
- Read for 10 minutes before bedtime, but not on your phone or tablet.
- According to the National Sleep Foundation, turn off all electronics one hour before bedtime (TV, computers, tablets, etc.) to avoid blue light, which can disrupt sleep and affect sleep quality.
- Sleep in light clothes and sheets to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
For more tips and printables to stay organized this school year, get the Organized Motherhood Back to School Planner.
What is a good night routine for school?
A good night routine for school is not just about going to bed early but also about preparing the body and mind for the day ahead. It is important to have a set of habits that can help you get a good night’s sleep.
The evening routine should include activities such as brushing your teeth, reading, stretching, or having a bath. These activities will help you relax and get ready for sleep.
You should also try to avoid any screens and electronics for at least an hour before bedtime.
A good night routine for school could start with a relaxing bath. This is an excellent way to wind down and get ready for bed.
The next step is to drink a cup of decaf tea or warm milk, which will help you sleep better.
A bedtime story is also a good idea because it will help your child feel more relaxed and fall asleep faster.
Finally, it’s important to avoid caffeine and keep the lights dim during the last 30 minutes before bedtime.
School night routine list
Use this printable school night routine list to help younger kids create a good routine. The visual routine is a great way to have fun with young children while helping them to develop a consistent routine.
For more daily routine ideas to help your kids through the school year, check out these easy ways to prepare your child for a new routine, how to find the best bed time for your kids, and how to create a great morning routine.