As a parent I am sure you have many hectic days – I know I certainly do.  Between making sure my kids eat a healthy breakfast before school, getting them to their activities on time and seeing to my patients at the office, I am often left exhausted. I’m ready for some “me time” to decompress, even if it’s just 30 minutes of listening to soft music in my car on the drive home.  This quality relaxation time helps to recharge my battery just enough to handle the myriad of questions and requests from my family that bombard me as I enter the front door.

But many parents are not aware that kids too may be under stress.  I’m not even talking about huge crisis like a best friend moving away, a sick relative or struggling at school, but rather the daily stress of having to sit quietly in class all day, remembering to bring all their books home for their homework, keeping the arguments with their siblings to a minimum and even nighttime issues, like bedwetting.

So what can you do to help your family deal with the everyday stresses of modern life? An important step is establishing nighttime routines.  Kids thrive on routines, they feel more in control when they know what to expect and what we as parents expect from them.  So even if today, according to your seven year-old, was the worst day ever because his team lost the soccer game, help him to regain control and perspective by sticking to your evening family routine.

Strive for family dinners whenever possible. Not only do these meals tend to be healthier than other options, but it’s a great time to reconnect as a family.  Additionally, set a good example by turning off all electronic devices while eating.

A warm shower or bath can help to soothe and calm your child at the end of the day. Maybe once a week throw in a hand or foot massage using some lavender or chamomile scented body lotion.

Make bedtime memorable.  Start by carving out 20 minutes for your child, giving them your undivided attention.  An exciting new way to bond and enjoy time together at night is by listening to GoodNites® Bedtime Theater™, a storytelling experience which comes to life through 20 - five minute audio stories about the adventures of Iggy and his Wiggy bed. Each story addresses important life lessons.  These fun and imaginative stories may seem just that to your child, fun, but as a parent you will feel good that with each story you can begin a foundation for continuous conversations about life lessons from your own family’s perspective.

By ending the night on a positive note with your special routine, you can help your child feel calm and secure, ensuring a restful night of sleep and putting perspective on nighttime issues, like bedwetting, that can detract from bedtime bonding.