Bedtime Magic

Bedtime Magic

Time

• 15 minutes

Materials

• None

Directions

Young children often resist bedtime, but by designing a transition together that is regular and predictable, a great deal of conflict can be avoided. Write down the order so you can refer to it later. For example, you might decide to sing a particular song, rub the tummy, and then rock in a rocking chair. Keep the same order and approximate amount of time until the routine becomes a habit. Children can develop the necessary coping abilities to manage bedtime if you have faith in them and give them a chance to work past the emotional reactions and crying.

Extensions

• If there is a fuss, tell your child that one part of the routine can be changed, but that everything else must stay the same.
• Draw pictures of the routine and hang it where your child can review it and learn the sequence.