to let the kids sleep on the floor next to your bed with sleeping bags
and pillows, because they’ll appreciate the psychological comfort. We
had this deal with our kids when they were little. During any stormy
night, within forty-five seconds of the first thunderous bang outside,
our bedroom door would open and two small forms would appear.
Each had a sleeping bag in one hand and a pillow in the other. It was
cute. Without saying a word, the kids would plop down on the floor
and immediately go back to sleep, suddenly oblivious to the storm.
That’s what parents are for.
Real-Life Bedtime Stories
Now, using our seven nighttime steps, let’s see if we can persuade a
few kids to go back to bed—and back to sleep.
- Josh, age nine. Josh has been sleeping regularly through the
night. Tuesday night, however, he watched a scary movie on
TV. At 2:45 a.m. you hear a few short, anxious, and
disconnected sentences. You wait for a few minutes to see if
he’ll awaken or get up, but you don’t go to his room. After a
few minutes he goes back to sleep and is peaceful for the rest of
the night. - Rachel, age six. Rachel has been restless in bed for a few
consecutive nights, but she hasn’t gotten up yet. On Thursday
night, however, she appears at your bedside, shakes your arm,
and says she’s scared. You say nothing, get up, put your arm
gently around her shoulder, and steer her to the bathroom. She
sits on the toilet for a while with no lights on. Rachel does have
to go to the bathroom. When she’s finished, you guide your
daughter gently back to bed, tuck her in, and give her a kiss.
You wait for a second by her door, see that she’s falling asleep,