Sometimes bedtime feels like you are putting your kids in a leg lock.

We enjoy the kid’s bedtime at our house.  We are parents to four kids; 8 and below.  I don’t know how families do it without a set bedtime.  In fact, I get an extra bolt of energy after the kids go to bed. I have been known to do a little dance when closing the door!  I love my kids and I love spending time with them, but they can wear you out too (and I am not with them all day like their wonderful mother)!  The last part of the day is the toughest, with baths, brushing teeth, bathroom visits, so bedtime is welcome.  But it is important to have one last connection before the day closes.  

We used to gather in the living room for a book and prayer.  Then send them off to bed, where we would come and tuck them in quickly.  That wasn’t working well as the kids were fighting and arguing it seemed each night about something.  So we decided to read a book (most nights) and then send them all to bed.  We go around making visits to each of their bedsides.  We ask them a question.  Have a prayer  with them individually, and then kiss them goodnight.  This has worked much better and gives some individual time with each child.

This has made us think about what questions we should ask each night.  

Here are some possible questions to use in tucking your kids in bed.

Our most common:  What was your favorite thing today?   (They can’t say everything, they have to pick  something.)

Some friends, Mark and Lori Simons, who have a special family, suggested this one:  Tell us one reason you love your brother or sister?

A classic:  What are you thankful for tonight?

Andy Stanley in some of his material suggests this series of questions he used as a parent.  They might be a little heavy for young kids and too much for every night, but they are good questions.  They are:  Is everything okay in your heart?  Are you mad at anyone, worried about anything, or feeling guilty?  

What questions do you use to engage your children?