Evening
Bedtime
It is late. They are wired, not sleepy. These calm them.
Find yours in 10 secondsThe Check-In Signal
"I'll come back in 10 minutes", and the separation anxiety dissolves before you've closed the door.
The Brave Thought
"Think of one thing you're not afraid of", then build the list from there.
The Safe Room Audit
Two minutes checking every corner together, and the room is certified safe.
Box Breathing
Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4 — and trace a square in the air while you do it.
The Whisper Morning Rule
Before the agreed time, the whole house is in whisper mode, and it actually holds.
The Worry Dump
"Tell me everything your brain is thinking about", and the re-emergences stop.
The Body Scan Wake-Up
"Let's check your body from the bottom up". Many children fall back asleep before reaching the shoulders.
Window Story
Look at whatever is visible through the bedroom window and build a story from only what is actually there.
Breathe In Colour
"Breathe in your favourite colour. Breathe out grey." Three breaths and the body changes.
The Blanket Press
Press the blanket against their whole body and count to 10. Deep pressure without a word.
The Tomorrow Gift
"What's the one nice thing you want to do tomorrow?" One answer. Done.
Whisper Countdown
Count down from 100 in whispers together. They rarely make it past 50.
The Gravity Game
"Your feet are made of warm sand. Now your legs...", and they stop fighting.
The Single Wish
"What do you want to dream about tonight?", and suddenly sleep is something to move toward.
Progressive Squeeze
Squeeze your toes as hard as you can, hold it, then let go — move up the body until you reach the shoulders.
The Monster Check
We check. We confirm clear. We close the wardrobe. Official, thorough, done.
Three Good Things
Name three things that actually happened today — in order — before you close your eyes.
The Unfinished Story
Start a story tonight and end it mid-sentence. Tomorrow's chapter already exists.
The Squeeze Hug
A long, firm, silent hug. Count to 10. And something releases.
The 3-Song Rule
Three songs, then the routine starts. The music enforces it so you don't have to.
Name Five Good Things
"Name 5 things that were good today. Anything counts."
Mission Bedtime Debrief
"Agent, I need your full report before lights out", and they walk upstairs.
The Safe Place
"Close your eyes. Tell me what your perfect safe place looks like."
The Bedtime Object Ritual
Three items must be in position before sleep is possible, and only they can set it up.