As a parent, you’ve probably asked yourself this question more than once—usually sometime around 9:47 p.m., when your child is on their third glass of water and suddenly needs to tell you a very important story about a squirrel they saw three weeks ago. A consistent bedtime routine doesn’t just help your kids sleep better — it makes your entire household run more smoothly. If you’re trying to build better structure into your daily routine, you might also find helpful strategies in our guide on how to stay organized as a busy parent.
Bedtime can feel like a moving target. Too early and they’re bouncing off the walls. Too late and the next morning feels like a hostage situation. So what time should your kids actually go to bed?
The Short Answer: It Depends on Their Age
There isn’t one perfect bedtime for every child, but there are general sleep guidelines based on age.
| Age Group | Recommended Sleep (hours per 24-hour period) |
|---|---|
| Toddlers (1–3) | 11–14 (including naps) |
| Preschoolers (3–5) | 10–13 |
| School-aged (6–12) | 9–12 |
| Teenagers (13–18) | 8–10 |
The real key isn’t the clock. It’s the total amount of sleep.
Work Backward from Wake-Up Time
If your child has to wake up at 7:00 a.m. for school and they need about 10 hours of sleep, then 9:00 p.m. is your target bedtime. Not “start getting ready for bed.” Actually asleep.
That means pajamas, brushing teeth, and the 14 emotional negotiations about which stuffed animal gets priority should happen before that time.
Signs Your Child Is Going to Bed Too Late
Sometimes the clock says it’s fine, but your child says otherwise. Here are a few clues bedtime might be too late:
• They struggle to wake up every morning
• They fall asleep in the car constantly
• They’re unusually cranky in the evenings
• They get a “second wind” and become wild right before bed
That last one tricks a lot of parents. Hyper doesn’t mean rested. It often means overtired.
Consistency Matters More Than Perfection
You don’t need a military-grade bedtime system. But kids thrive on routine. Going to bed at 8:30 one night, 10:15 the next, and “whenever the movie ends” on Saturday makes it harder for their bodies to settle into a rhythm.
A simple routine works best:
Bath.
Pajamas.
Brush teeth.
Read together.()
Lights out.
Reading together before bed is one of the simplest and most powerful parts of a nighttime routine. If you want to learn more about the benefits of reading, take a look at our post on 7 benefits of reading to your children.
Predictability helps their brains understand that sleep is coming.
“But My Kid Isn’t Tired”
Of course they aren’t. They’d stay up until midnight if given the choice. Bedtime isn’t about whether they feel tired in the moment. It’s about protecting the sleep their growing bodies and brains need.
Sleep affects everything:
Mood
Attention span
Behavior
Learning
Even immune health
When kids are well-rested, parenting feels lighter. When they’re not, everything feels harder.
Every Family Is Different
Some households run earlier. Some later. Sports schedules, work shifts, homework loads—all of it plays a role.
The goal isn’t to match another family’s bedtime. It’s to find the time that allows your child to:
Wake up without a daily battle
Function well during the day
Stay emotionally regulated (most of the time)
Grow and learn effectively
If those boxes are checked, you’re probably in the right range.
In the End, It’s About Rhythm
Bedtime doesn’t have to be a fight every night. It won’t be perfect, and there will always be exceptions—holidays, vacations, special events. That’s normal.
But on regular nights, a consistent, age-appropriate bedtime is one of the simplest ways you can support your child’s health and happiness.
So what time should your kids go to bed?
Early enough to get the sleep they need.
Consistent enough to make mornings manageable.
And realistic enough that you can actually stick to it.
Of course, sometimes bedtime isn’t the real issue — frequent night waking is. If your baby seems to wake up constantly no matter what time you put them down, check out our article on why babies wake up every hour for tips and advice.