Bedtime used to be the most exhausting part of our day. I found myself scrambling to pack lunches at 10 PM, arguing with tired kids about toothbrushes, and waking up the next day already behind. With four kids, I knew we needed a system and slowly, we built one. Here’s a look at the routine that helps our evenings feel calmer, more intentional, and way less chaotic.

Here’s our bedtime rhythm that gets everyone settled (without me losing my mind):

6:30 PM Dinner Wrap-Up + Lunchbox Hustle

Right after dinner, we all go into reset mode. The kids help clear the table and do a quick tidy-up… think: wiping surfaces, collecting water bottles, rounding up rogue socks. Meanwhile, I jump into lunch-packing mode.

Pro tip: Lunches are way less annoying to pack when you do them before you’re tired. I keep it simple sandwiches, fruit, a snack, and a water bottle refill.

6:45 PM Showers + Clothes for Tomorrow

We split into two teams two kids shower while I’m with the other two picking out outfits for the next day. Pajamas go on, clothes for tomorrow are laid out (including sock and shoes) and we rotate.

This is my hacky little time-saver no hunting for clean pants or mystery shoes at 7:30 AM tomorrow. It’s already done.

7:00 PM Teeth, Hair, and Bathroom Final Call

Once everyone’s clean, we do a whole-house “brush and flush” sweep. Teeth get brushed, hair gets detangled, and anyone who needs to go to the bathroom gets reminded gently and then reminded again with mom voice.

7:15 PM Wind Down

Lights get dimmed, night lights go on, and we pick one or two short books to read together (or each kid can grab a book quietly in their own space).

Some nights we do a high/low of the day, a gratitude moment, or just a minute of breathing with the lights off nothing fancy, just a few seconds of calm before sleep.

8:00 PM Lights Out

They’re tucked in, I try not to get pulled back in for water/reflection/questions about life and then I get a moment to breathe.

Bedtime doesn’t have to be perfect. Ours sure isn’t. But this rhythm has helped our evenings feel a little less wild and a lot more manageable. And when you find a flow that works for your family? That’s where the magic is.

I’d love to hear” what makes your evenings flow smoother? Leave a comment below and let me know!