Goodnight, Body!
Here's What To Do
1
Ask your child to make their toes still, and say "Goodnight toes!"
2
Continue naming body parts in order: toes, feet, legs and all the way up to the head. Each time, ask your child to make that part still and then say goodnight. You can practice this relaxation technique along with your child too!
3
Repeat each night before bed.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Lie down together on a bed. Breathe in and out slowly.
E
Engage:
- "Let's play a game to help calm down as we prepare for bed. Let's start with our toes and make our toes very, very still. Goodnight toes!"
- "What body part should we say goodnight to next?"
E
Encourage:
- If your child has trouble staying still, start with just 2 or 3 body parts each night. Add more as your child has more practice.
- "I know it can be hard to be still and to focus your mind. It's a really important skill to practice!"
R
Reflect:
- "Do you like playing this game to help you fall asleep?"
Not quite ready?
Try relaxing just one body part and building up to more.
Ready for more?
See if your child is able to go through this exercise independently (saying the names of the body parts out loud or thinking them to themselves).
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to complete this mindfulness activity as part of their daily routine.