From stories to stalling: What Britain’s kids really do at bedtime

17th November 2025

Every parent dreams of a peaceful bedtime – a chance for children to unwind and for parents to enjoy some quiet in the evening. M&S surveyed 500 parents of 4 to 7-year-olds to uncover bedtime habits. From calming routines to stalling tactics, it revealed what really goes on as the lights go out.

The most popular bedtime activities

A third of parents (32%) said the main aim of their child’s bedtime routine was to encourage quiet time. Two thirds (66%) of children read a book right before bed. Brushing teeth was the second most common activity (60%), followed by cuddling (56%). Less than a quarter of children (24%) engaged in screentime as part of their bedtime routine. Although older children were slightly more likely to be allowed to watch a show before bed. Around 30% of 7-year-olds wound down in this way.

When asked about their child’s mood, most parents (34%) said their child was ‘calm and relaxed’, followed by ‘happy and engaged’. 14% of parents, however, noted their child can be ‘hyper and overstimulated’.

The great British stall

Even with calming routines in place, stalling tactics remain common. Over a third (38%) report their child frequently gets out of bed, especially 7-year-olds (44%). Nearly half (45%) of parents admit school holidays throw sleep schedules into chaos, adding an extra challenge to maintaining a consistent routine.

Despite these bedtime battles, the outcome is positive. 83% of parents say their child sleeps soundly once asleep, and the same number report their child wakes up feeling refreshed – a testament to the effectiveness of a consistent routine.

Parent and senior kidswear technologist at M&S, Sharon Shokar says:

“Bedtime isn’t just about sleep. It’s an opportunity for parents to connect with their children and wind down together after a busy day. Our survey shows that while most children settle calmly, many parents face nightly stalling tactics like requests for extra stories.

Tips for a smoother bedtime

Many parents rely on trial and error (45%) or advice from family and friends (33%) when planning their bedtime routines. But according to Sharon, a few simple steps can make a significant difference.

Start the routine early: “I always recommend beginning your child’s bedtime routine well before you expect them to be asleep. A calm, unrushed pace helps children mentally and physically wind down. Even just 10 minutes of dedicated, connected time – like reading a story together or having a quiet chat about their day – can make a huge difference in helping them feel secure and ready for sleep.”

Bathroom break before bed: ”To prevent those classic ‘one more thing’ requests, build a bathroom trip into the routine before the final wind-down. This reduces last-minute stalling tactics and ensures their physical needs are met, so they can focus on relaxing.”

Prepare the bedroom environment: ”The sleep environment is crucial. Aim for a room that is dark, quiet, and cool. Think about comfort items too; our research shows 39% of children have a cuddly toy and 32% use a night light. These can provide a sense of security and familiarity, making the bedroom a welcoming space for sleep.”

Implement the ‘one more’ rule: ”Children often test boundaries, especially at bedtime. Establish a clear ‘one more’ rule: one more hug, one glass of water, then lights out. This acknowledges their need for connection or comfort but also sets a firm, consistent boundary. It helps them understand that the routine has a predictable end point.”

Stay calm and consistent: ”This is perhaps the most important tip. Children thrive on consistency. If your child gets out of bed, calmly lead them back without fuss or engaging in a lengthy conversation. Avoid making it an exciting event. Your calm demeanour reinforces that it’s bedtime, and there’s no reward for leaving their bed.”