Your Child Will Learn
A routine to help them transition to bedtime
Here’s What to Do
- Invite your child to play “Say Goodnight” before they lay down for sleep.
- Ask your child to walk through their room and say goodnight to their family, toys, and other favorite objects.
- Save yourself for last so your child can say goodnight to you before they settle in their bed.
- Repeat each night before bed.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Take a balloon breath together: fill your lungs with a deep breath in, then fall to the floor as you exhale (like a deflated balloon).
ENGAGE
- “Let’s get ready for sleep by saying goodnight to everything and everyone!”
- “What are some different ways we can say goodnight? We could give a kiss, a hug, or use words.”
ENCOURAGE
- “Which of your toys would you like to say goodnight to?”
- “Let’s look out the window- do you want to say goodnight to anything outside?”
REFLECT
- Before your child falls asleep, tell them how much you love them and one reason why you love them.
Not Quite Ready
Aim for only 1-2 things to say goodnight to, and work your way up to more.
Ready for More
Say goodnight to far-away family members as you look through a family photo album.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will begin to feel ready for sleep after they complete this activity.
Time to Complete
5-10 minutes
Materials Needed
None