In all the craziness of being a working mom, I try to remind myself that tucking my daughter in at night is one of those “get to” blessings of motherhood. My husband puts our son, Jack, to bed, and I focus on Reese. I know she gets a lot out of our time together, but I’m getting way more out of it. So I really try to protect our routine. It’s a quiet time with no other distractions—just me and her.
Bedtime routines can give moms a way to unwind and bond with our kids. I started ours to show Reese how much I loved (and missed) her during the day. If you’re looking for ways to connect with your children at bedtime, try out these 5 ideas as part of your nighttime routine for kids. They work for me and my girl, and I think they will for you, too!
1. Get in “Mom Mode.”
As an ESPN commentator, my days look like controlled chaos with deadlines, interviews, and travel. So after work, I make a conscious effort to switch gears into mom mode. When I’m home with my family, I often ask myself, “Am I prioritizing my time best?” It’s a constant reminder to focus on what truly matters.
That’s why the first step in our nightly routine is simple but powerful: I leave my phone in another room and set an auto-reply. This small act helps me practice being present in the moment with Reese. I’ve come to treasure this one-on-one time with my daughter more than anything. Yes, I love my work at ESPN, but nothing compares to the joy and fulfillment of being a mom. By consciously choosing to be present, I’m not just creating memories. I’m nurturing our bond and showing my daughter that she’s the most important part of my day.
2. Read stories.
Your nighttime routine for kids might already include reading. It’s a classic ritual for a reason! Since Reese loves music and dancing, she might ask me to read Giraffes Can’t Dance, Fancy Nancy, or the Little Golden Book Biography of Taylor Swift. (Yes! We’re both Swifties.) Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember, written by my friend Tim Tebow also remains in heavy rotation.
It’s not the book that matters, though. It’s about sharing in the moment and opening my child to worlds outside her own. Some days, I still feel like I have no idea what I’m doing as a mom, but I’ve found these simple acts and moments to be the most fulfilling.
3. Talk about your day.
This daily check-in does wonders for both of us. For me, it’s a chance to decompress and focus entirely on her little world. I’ll share funny moments from the studio or something interesting I learned while prepping for a game, and Reese will fill me in on her daily adventures—from the masterpiece she painted at preschool to the dance party she, Daddy, and Jack had in the kitchen.
Sometimes, I will ask her questions to get the conversation started, and other days, my little spitfire gets going on her own.
These moments make me realize that in the middle of the chaos of balancing career and motherhood that I’m exactly where I need to be. For Reese, I can see how it gives her practice at expressing herself and reflecting on her experiences. Plus, it gives us both a sense of consistency and closeness, no matter what the rest of the day looked like.
4. Snuggle each other.
Reese’s love language is physical touch and she loves for me to rub her back at tuck-in time. I know there will come a day when she no longer wants me to lie with her, but we aren’t there yet. Reese still wants to be held, and as long as she lets me, I will always say yes. If I’m being honest, most days, I feel like I’m falling short. Yet when I look back on these cuddle moments documented in my heart, I can’t help but smile. It’s crazy at times. It’s a mess at times. But there’s no other place I’d rather be.
5. Pray.
We don’t do a whole lot of sitting around (or slowing down for that matter) around here. But when we do, I really try to savor it. Tucking my daughter in bed and reciting a classic bedtime prayer together or hearing her little voice asking God to protect “Mommy, Daddy, Baby Jack, and our dog, Remington,” gives us both time to pause in the moment and be grateful. I’ll never get over her sweetness.
What’s your favorite part of your family’s nighttime routine for kids?
