A comfortable bed or resting place. A blanket or favourite soft toy is optional.
What to Say
“Goodnight hands. Thank you for all you did today.”
“Goodnight feet. You can rest now.”
“Let the shoulders become comfortable.”
“Is there another part of your body that needs a goodnight?”
What to Do
STEP 1 Choose a comfortable position with eyes open or closed.
STEP 2 Say goodnight to the hands and let them rest.
STEP 3 Say goodnight to the feet and notice where they touch the bed.
STEP 4 Let the shoulders and face become as comfortable as they want to be.
STEP 5 Invite the child to choose one final body part or finish with the whole body.
JOIN YOUR CHILD Say goodnight to parts of your own body or gently place your hand on the bed beside the child. Touch the child only with permission.
If Your Child Does Not Want to Participate
Tell the short goodnight story to a soft toy or let the child choose only one body part. Stop if the practice becomes stimulating.
Make It Your Own
• Use the child’s favourite character to say goodnight.
• Let the child lead the order.
• Use a seated version before getting into bed.
• Replace words with a gentle wave to each body part.
Your child may settle into a comfortable position respond with their own words or ask to repeat a favourite part on another night.
A GENTLE SAFETY REMINDER Never require closed eyes stillness or physical touch. Avoid suggesting that the child must fall asleep immediately. Persistent sleep difficulties should be discussed with an appropriate health professional.
DEVELOPED FOR THE PARENT GUIDE LITTLE MINDS BIG FOCUS
