This week in my parenting community on Skool, we had a fantastic live call where we explored the challenges of bedtime and how to make it a smoother experience for ADHD kids and teens. The topic of sleep came up (as it often does!), and I wanted to share one of my favourite bedtime wind-down strategies with all of you: audiobooks!
They’re an incredible tool to support a wind-down routine, and I’ve found this strategy works not just for younger kids but also for teens and even adults. If sleep has been tricky in your home, this might be just what you need to help your evenings feel calmer and more predictable.
Why Sleep is Tricky
Sleep can be a tough area for many of us, especially in neurodivergent households. Our brains often resist transitioning from the stimulation of the day to the calm of bedtime. That’s where wind-down routines come in—they provide consistency, signals for sleep, and a chance to settle the mind.
My Go-To Tool: Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a wonderful way to help kids settle into the rhythm of bedtime. Here’s how we use them in our home:
- Start with something lighthearted. We listen to a fun, engaging audiobook for about 30 minutes to create a positive mood and to ease the transition from the stimulation of daytime to bed.
- Transition to calming content. We follow with a children’s meditation, relaxing music, or a gentle sleep story to guide the mind into rest.
This routine has been a game-changer in my household, where I have two daughters (ages 6 and 11), and it’s also something my clients have found helpful for high-school-aged teens—and even for themselves!
Tools and Tips for a Successful Audiobook Routine
🎧 How to Play Audiobooks
To keep bedtime screen-free, I recommend using a Bluetooth speaker paired with a device located outside the bedroom. This minimizes distractions and keeps the focus on the audio.
- For younger kids: Devices like a Yoto player are fantastic options.
- For older kids: Tools like Google Home or inexpensive Bluetooth speakers work well.
📖 Choosing Bedtime Audiobooks
When selecting audiobooks for bedtime, opt for fun, light, and/or familiar books. Avoid suspenseful or intense stories that might rev up rather than calm down. The goal is to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. I call this winding down instead of revving up.
📚 Here are some favourites from our household:
- Judy Blume’s Fudge Series (Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing)
- Anne of Green Gables
- Any of Gordon Korman’s lighter humorous books
- Little House on the Prairie series
- Ivy and Bean series
📕 Resources for Audiobooks
Spotify: Many children’s audiobooks and meditations are available on Spotify for free or with a premium account. My kids LOVE Mermaids and Fairy Dust by Christine Kerr, you can find it HERE
Want More Ideas Like This?
If you found this helpful, I’d love to invite you to join my parenting community on Skool. It’s a small group that’s still in its BETA phase, which means you can join now for just $9 USD per month. We tackle topics like bedtime routines, emotional regulation, and school supports—all tailored to ADHD parenting via online course work, an engaged community, and live support calls.
Check out our ADHD Parenting Community on Skool HERE
Let me know if you give audiobooks a try, and feel free to share your favourites with me!
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