Today, Tonight, and Tomorrow
It takes a special kind of patience to handle children’s middle-of-the-night wakeups! Read about how a Monster-Fairy family manages it.
You may already be familiar with the themes in this story, especially if your little one ever:
- comes to you in the middle of the night and needs help falling back asleep
- has big feelings about events and experiences during the day that seem to affect their sleep
For young children, sleep struggles — whether at bedtime or throughout the night — are common. Share this storybook with your little one and notice how Rudy’s dad and stepmom help him soothe himself back to sleep.
Afterward, you might talk together about:
- all the steps in their bedtime routine
- why Rudy may have had a hard time staying asleep and how he may have been feeling
- what helps your child fall back asleep (next time it’s needed, consider one of the strategies in the story: belly breaths, cuddles, singing, humming or talking to a lovey, or imagining positive things about the next day)
And check out this video in which Elmo’s daddy, Louie, helps Elmo (and himself!) handle the same situation. For more tips check out this resource.
Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you’re concerned about your child’s sleep. Here’s to peaceful nights for the whole family!
Time to Rest, Elmo!
An act-along story to help Elmo get some sleep!
Questions, Questions
Wellness visits are important moments to check in about your child’s growth and development, and good conversations are the cornerstones of each visit.
Elmo’s Magic Blanket
When Elmo is sick and has to stay in bed, he plays pretend with his blanket or sheet.
Making Needles Easier
Needles can be scary, but there are ways to lessen your child’s fear and anxiety.
Lessening Children’s Fear of Needles
Preparing, distracting, and comforting your child can go a long way in helping them get through these moments.
Small Steps, Healthy Wins
A course for clinicians that offers evidence- and strengths-based guidance to aid in your work supporting families in building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
