Child chooses 3 specific objects that must be placed correctly every night: stuffed animal on the left pillow, water cup on the nightstand, book by the lamp. The ritual is theirs to execute. It gives them control over the transition without giving them control over whether bedtime happens.

What you need

child's existing bedtime objects — stuffed animal, water cup, book, etc.

How to do it

1"Let's pick three special things that have to be in exactly the right spot before sleep. You choose where they go."
2Every night before sleep: child sets up the positions themselves. No shortcuts, no skipping.
3When all three are in position, bed is ready. Ask: 'Is the room set up?'
4No renegotiating the positions. Same spots, every night. The ritual only works if it's fixed.

Variations

**Korb-Tür:** If they won't choose or won't follow the ritual: "Okay, no sleep until three things are set." Make it non-negotiable. They'll do it rather than skip bedtime.
**Ausstieg:** Once all three are in position: "Room is set. You're ready for sleep." Lights out. The ritual is complete.

💡 Parent tip

This works because it gives the child something to DO rather than something to resist. They're not going to bed. They're completing their setup.

What your child develops

Autonomy and ownership — the child executes the ritual, not the parent
Predictable sequence — the same steps in the same order reduce bedtime anxiety
Transitional object support — the ritual reinforces the emotional function of comfort objects