Bedtime
Make a bedtime plan that maps out exactly what will happen each evening
Including the order of events and, for your reference, start and finish times.
Share the plan with your family (don't forget dad), verbally and through pictures, if necessary.
Make a "sleep manners" chart to lay out the rules and reward good sleep behavior.
Remove anxiety by having your child play in her room often.
Help your child wind down by turning off the electronics and hour prior to bedtime
And avoiding caffeine in the evening (and consider hidden sources like chocolate milk or soda).
Set the scene with soft lighting and reduced noise.
Read or talk quietly with your child to ease her into the sleepy zone
Give her guaranteed one-on-one time with you.
Avoid "bad thoughts" by getting your child talking and thinking about happy memories or non-scary subjects that interest her.
Be consistent 7 days a week, with times, the order of events and in your response to problems.
Comfort your child if he's scared, but stay within your rules.
If she leaves the room after bedtime, quietly lead her back to bed with minimal interaction (rinse and repeat).

Bedtime Checklist

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