Night-Night : Settle-Down Activities for Easy Bedtimes

Children's Literature

Dozens of simple ideas to help parents find what works best for their child/children (ages 3 to 10) at bedtime are compiled in this small, easy to read book. Singing silly songs, playing quiet games and stimulating imaginative thought are variations on the "read a book to your child before bedtime routine" suggested here. Getting a child to relax at bedtime helps ensure a smooth transition from being awake to falling asleep. Because children are individuals, what works for one may not work for others. On the whole, the book's format lends itself to browsing. Each idea begins on a new page so that parents and caretakers need not read the book from start to finish or in one sitting to glean information. Occasionally, the author is repetitive or states the obvious (such as telling readers that she has used a certain name in a poem, but that they should substitute their own child's name instead). Most of the suggestions can be used at other times during the day or on car trips to get children involved in imaginative or educational play. The book consists of ideas for pre-bedtime rituals, but it does not cover problem solving for children reluctant to go to bed despite parents' best efforts. 2001, Conari Press, Pettenati