After a day full of exciting adventures and endless play, it’s no surprise if your child struggles to wind down. You’ve heard it before: “I’m not tired yet!” or seen them continue racing around the house even when the clock says bedtime.
If this sounds familiar, there’s a simple solution you may not have considered. Colouring is more than just a creative pastime; it’s a wonderful tool to help your child unwind, process their emotions, and shift from the hustle of the day to a peaceful state of mind.
Let’s explore how you can incorporate this soothing ritual into your child’s evening and help them transition from playtime to bedtime with ease.
1. Why Colouring Works as a Relaxation Tool
Colouring offers a unique moment of stillness for your child, allowing them to focus entirely on themselves. It’s a simple, screen-free activity that engages their hands and minds without overstimulating them.
As they pick up a crayon and focus on filling a page with vibrant colours, they naturally let go of the busy thoughts and impressions from their day. The rhythmic movement of colouring has a calming effect, similar to meditation, and gently guides them toward a state of relaxation.
Studies have shown that repetitive activities like colouring can lower the heart rate and reduce cortisol levels, which helps the body shift from an active to a restful state. This makes colouring a fantastic addition to your evening routine, helping your child move into bedtime with greater ease and tranquillity.
2. How to Incorporate Colouring into Your Evening Routine
One of the great things about colouring is how seamlessly it fits into a calming bedtime routine. Here are some simple tips to help make it part of your child’s evening wind-down:
The Right Time
The best time for colouring is during the transition from active play to quieter moments. After a high-energy activity like playing outside, a walk, or even a busy family day, colouring provides a calming bridge before more restful bedtime activities.
You can also use colouring as a post-lunch quiet time or as part of a peaceful family evening before moving to storytime. Establishing a consistent routine ensures your child knows what to expect, making it easier for them to relax and enjoy the process.
A Cosy Space
Set up a quiet, distraction-free area where your child can colour peacefully. It could be a table in the living room, a cosy spot at the kitchen table, or a comfortable corner in their bedroom.
Ensure the area feels inviting with good lighting and comfortable seating. Adding soft blankets, cushions, or even relaxing music can make this space even more appealing. This becomes their special creative retreat, where they can focus, relax, and let their imagination run free.
The Right Materials
Let your child choose their favourite materials. Younger children may prefer chunky crayons that are easy to grip, while older children might prefer coloured pencils, fine markers, or even gel pens.
Allowing them to select their tools and colours gives them ownership over the activity, making it more enjoyable and personal. You could also provide themed colouring books or blank sheets of paper for free drawing, depending on your child’s preference.
Together or Alone?
Sometimes, children enjoy colouring independently as a way to reflect and unwind. Other times, they may prefer a shared experience.
Consider sitting down to colour alongside your child. It can become a wonderful bonding moment where you chat about their day, share stories, or simply enjoy quiet time together. This shared activity can strengthen your connection while reinforcing the importance of relaxation.
Whether they colour alone or with you, the act becomes a meaningful part of their day.
3. Emotional Benefits of Colouring
Did you know that colouring can help your child express their emotions?
Colours are closely linked to feelings, and children naturally gravitate toward colours that reflect their current mood. Bright, bold colours may represent excitement or joy, while softer, pastel hues can reflect calmness.
For children who aren’t yet comfortable expressing their emotions verbally, colouring offers an outlet. It helps them process their thoughts and feelings, promoting emotional balance and helping them unwind from their day.
Additionally, you can use colouring as an opportunity to discuss emotions. Ask questions like, “Why did you choose that colour?” or “What are you thinking about while you’re colouring?” to gently encourage them to open up.
4. Colouring as a Mindfulness Practice
In today’s fast-paced world, mindfulness is an important skill for children to learn.
Colouring encourages mindfulness by helping children focus on the present moment. It quiets busy thoughts and allows them to fully immerse themselves in a creative, relaxing activity.
For children who struggle to settle down or who feel overwhelmed, even a short session of mindful colouring can help ground them and bring a sense of calm. To make the activity even more mindful, you can guide your child to notice the texture of the paper, the sound of the crayon moving, or the blending of colours.
This focus on the sensory aspects of colouring not only enhances relaxation but also builds awareness and gratitude for simple, everyday experiences.
5. Wrapping Up the Day with Calm
End the day, reflecting on its highlights while your child colours. Celebrate their achievements, talk through any worries, and gently help them transition into the quiet of the night.
When it’s time for bed, help your child settle into their Slumbersac sleeping bag for extra comfort and security. The soft, cosy design will wrap them in warmth, helping them drift off into peaceful sleep with ease.
You might even tie the colouring theme into the bedtime routine by reading a story that matches the images they coloured, creating a seamless transition from creative activity to storytelling and finally to sleep.
6. Encouraging a Love for Creativity
By making colouring a regular part of your child’s routine, you’re also fostering a lifelong appreciation for creativity and self-expression. These skills not only support emotional well-being but also build confidence and resilience as they grow.
Encourage your child to experiment with different colouring techniques, explore various art materials, and even create their own designs. This sense of exploration and play can be deeply rewarding and adds a layer of joy to their evening ritual.
7. Choosing Relaxing Colouring Pages
The designs your child colours can also play a big role in promoting relaxation. Opt for simple, images rather than intricate, complex patterns that may overstimulate them.
Animal-themed pages—like pandas, koalas, or sea creatures—tend to have a natural calming effect on children.
At Slumbersac, we offer a collection of free, downloadable colouring pages designed with children’s relaxation in mind. From adventurous dinosaurs to cuddly animals and soothing ocean themes, there’s an option for every child’s creative needs.
Download your FREE Slumbersac Colouring Pages for Kids
By incorporating colouring into your child’s daily routine, you can help them transition from the excitement of their day to the peaceful rest they need to grow and thrive.
