Is your Child Struggle to Fall Asleep?

Seeing Sleep Through Your Child’s Eyes

Many parents share that their children find it difficult to fall asleep. They try different methods, yet often end up staying beside their child until sleep finally comes. One important step is understanding why bedtime feels so hard.

For many children, falling asleep feels like a kind of parting, and this is why they feel anxious about it. Some even worry they might not wake up in the morning.

Because children often cannot explain what they feel, they may say they are afraid of the dark- it’s something tangible and easy to name. But often, that isn’t the true reason, which is why a night light doesn’t always help.

How Parents Can Support Their Child

When your child expresses fear or difficulty at bedtime, talk with them. Share your own childhood memories- did you ever find it hard to fall asleep? Ask gentle questions: “What do you feel in your body?” or “What thoughts are going through your mind?” Even if they answer, “I don’t know,” the questions start a process of reflection, and understanding may come later.

Giving space to their feelings and worries usually helps ease them. You might also offer a teddy bear or comfort object. Children sometimes give these up early due to social pressure, but they can be soothing companions. And don’t worry- once your child feels more secure, they’ll naturally set it aside.

A Mindfulness Ritual for Bedtime

In addition to conversations, you can create a small mindfulness ritual. Parents can read the following script (or choose your own words) aloud in a soft, calm voice:

Lie down comfortably in your bed and close your eyes. Notice your breathing… breathe slowly, in a way that feels gentle and natural. Feel your body sinking into the mattress. The pillow and blanket are wrapping around you like a warm hug, keeping you safe.

Your legs are tired because they ran so much today. Your mouth is tired because it laughed and talked. Your eyes are tired from all the beautiful things they saw. Your ears are tired from all the funny words they heard.

Now let’s say goodnight to each part of your body. Goodnight, right foot. Goodnight, left foot. Goodnight, shins. Goodnight, thighs. Goodnight, tummy. Goodnight, back. Goodnight, hips. Goodnight, shoulders. Goodnight, harms. Goodnight, head ..

Now rest peacefully. See you in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Bedtime doesn’t have to be a battle. By offering empathy, gentle conversation, and a calming ritual, parents can help children feel safe, understood, and ready to drift into sleep.