How to Make Evenings with Kids Less Stressful (and Maybe Even Enjoyable!)
Last week, I asked a simple question on social media: Which part of your day makes you lose patience the most?
Tara responded right away, saying, "6:30 - 7:30 p.m.—dinner, shower, and bedtime."
If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. This hour can feel like a battlefield for so many parents. Why?
Because everyone is exhausted—kids are tired but don’t necessarily want to do the things that need to get done. And parents? We’re also running on fumes, counting down the minutes until we can finally sit down with a cup of tea (or wine) and binge-watch something on Netflix.
So, how do we make this chaotic hour less frustrating and more enjoyable? Here are three simple but powerful strategies that might help.
1. Shift Your Mindset (It’s Hard, But It Works!)
A small mindset shift can go a long way in these stressful moments. One of my favorite quotes by Thich Nhat Hanh really puts things into perspective:
“Being in the moment of what we are doing – rather than thinking about what we will be doing ‘after’ we have done what we are doing. Because, by the time we get to the second thing we are doing, we will be thinking and planning on the third thing, and then not enjoying the second.”
Let that sink in for a moment.
If we’re always focused on getting to the next thing, we miss out on what’s happening right now. Yes, we want bedtime to be over so we can finally relax, but what if we could find ways to enjoy the process just a little more?
Try putting your phone away during dinner.
Maybe start a little ritual like sharing “the best part of your day” with each other. (I actually have a great free gratitude resource for this—let me know if you want me to send it to you!)
And what about bedtime? Could you pick a book that you actually enjoy reading, so storytime feels like a treat rather than a chore? Or add a fun pre-bedtime activity like shadow puppets, a short meditation, or a silly game?
One thing that has helped me personally? Music.
I’ve been struggling with mornings lately, so I started playing feel-good songs while getting everyone ready. It has been a total game changer. You might want to try the same with your evenings—some fun, calming music during shower time or even a little dance party to shake off the bedtime resistance.
2. Make an Evening Plan (and Let Kids Help!)
Sometimes, part of the bedtime battle is the uncertainty of it all. Kids don’t like surprises when it comes to routines (unless they involve ice cream). If bedtime feels like a chaotic free-for-all, a little structure can work wonders.
Try making a simple evening plan together as a family. Who’s responsible for what? What order will things happen in? And—this is key—what’s the incentive?
For example:
“If we’re ready for bed by 7:20, we’ll have extra time to read an extra chapter or play a quiet game before lights out.”
This gives kids a sense of control and turns bedtime into a little challenge rather than something they are forced into. Plus, when they help create the plan, they’re more likely to stick to it.
3. Be Kind to Yourself (Seriously, Give Yourself a Break!)
Let’s be real. Even with the best strategies in place, some nights will still be a struggle. And that’s okay.
If you find yourself staring at the clock, counting down the minutes, and feeling snappier than you’d like—that’s a sign you need a little self-compassion.
Instead of beating yourself up, try acknowledging your feelings: “I’m feeling really tired, and I just want to sit down.”
Sometimes, just saying it out loud can take the edge off. And if you need to step away for five minutes to reset, do it. Take some deep breaths, splash some water on your face, or just sit in a quiet room for a moment. You’re human, and this time of the day is hard.
What’s Your Take?
I hope these tips help bring a little more ease into your evenings. Which one do you think you’ll try first?
And if you have a parenting question you’d love some help with, let me know! I’d love to feature it in an upcoming post or email.
Remember, you’re doing an amazing job—even on the tough nights.
About Me
Hey there, I'm Nina, a mother of three energetic boys. I'm a certified Mindful Parenting Coach and Head and Heart Mindfulness Instructor.
I truly understand the challenges of parenting - just a couple of years back, I was a tired and frustrated mum struggling with the demands of motherhood.
My mindfulness journey began nearly three years ago when my youngest child was born. I transitioned from being stressed, overwhelmed, and prone to anger, to being composed, serene, and deeply connected with my children.
Becoming a mindful parenting has brought about remarkable transformations for me and my family, especially my boys!
If you're interested in learning more about how to make your parenting life easier, book in a 15 minute chat and let's get the ball rolling.
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