Cosy Evening Box

from 36 months · 10-15 min · Quiet & calm

What you need

After bath and teeth, open the box together and pull on the warm socks.
Let them choose one thing to do: read the book, tuck in the toy, or shine the torch on the ceiling.
Put everything back, close the lid and say goodnight to the box.

Choosing from the same box every evening gives them a say in bedtime, and the same calm steps help their body know sleep is coming.

Choosing: Picking one calm thing gives them a say in their own evening.
Settling: The same box at the same time each night helps their body slow down.
Taking care of things: Putting everything back and closing the lid is a job they can own.

Watch for them reaching for the box on their own, or telling you what they will choose.

Use only a torch with a screw-shut battery cover, and put the torch back up out of reach when you finish. Keep the box by the bed with the lid on.

Easier: keep just two things in the box

Harder: let them swap one thing in the box each week for something new