Little Stars Bedtime Cards: an engaging bedtime ritual for kids

When my oldest was born seven-years ago, we discovered the practicality and joy of bedtime routines. Giving her a bath and reading a story was a great way to spend quiet time after a hectic day and it helped us all to unwind.

Having a bedtime routine seems even more important with three kids, especially now that they’re not babies anymore. However, the problem now is that our routine seems more focused on getting the kids into bed versus spending some down time with them.

Little Stars Bedtime Cards are designed as a way to transition with your kids from a busy day to a quiet night. The deck consists of 28 cards, each card with it’s own positive affirmation: I like to work hard, I let everyone play, or I like to have fun, for example.

The front of the card illustrates one of the Little Stars characters, Shiner, Blaze or Sparky, depicting what the cards topic is. The topic itself is written in nice clear, large letters, great for early readers. Flip the card over and there are a few questions on the card’s topic.

I originally thought these would be great cards to use with my three-year-old, but my older two got right into using them also. As part of our bedtime routine each of my children would randomly choose a card from the deck and place it under their pillow. When they were all ready to get into bed we would sit, one-on-one with the selected card.

We’d talk about the topic and what the Little Stars characters were doing and then we’d go through the questions. Sometimes we’d just discuss the questions, sometimes the conversation would lead into other things.

It was a great way to talk about important things like eating well or cleaning up, things that sometimes get lost during the busy day. Although my seven-year-old liked the cards, I think she just liked the one-on-one conversation time. My five-year-old and three-year-old really got into the cards. They were so excited to reveal what their card was about and we had a great time talking and sharing. It gave my kids a chance to ask questions too.

Each card ends with a nice bedtime rhyme to signify the end of the routine. The rhyme is partly based on the card’s topic and the rest of the rhyme is familiar. It’s to the point now that my kids recite the rhyme at the end along with me.

Little Stars Bedtime Cards: $14.95 Cdn (available online and at select retail stores)

* product for review was provided

About the Author Managing Partner and Editor-in-Chief at one of the best social networking and lifestyle sites for moms, EverythingMom.com. Trying to balance life at home with my 3 kids (all under 8), while building my business, working at EverythingMom.com and developing my writing. Oh and throw a load of laundry in and a dinner that isn't burnt. Wasn't working from home suppose to be easier? Posted by Carrie Anne in toy reviews on February 10, 2010 More from this author  |  Author Website Follow Carrie Anne on:  |  |  |