Three good things at bedtime

The end of the day is often when worries surface, for children and for the grown-ups putting them to bed. A short, steady ritual of naming what went well gives the day a gentler last page, and it gives you a window into what your child noticed and cared about.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

Pick a moment that already happens every night: after the story, as the light goes off, or while you sit on the edge of the bed.
Ask: what were three good things today? Let them be tiny. A warm drink, a joke at lunch, a dog on the way home all count.
Take your turn too, and keep yours honest and simple. Children learn the habit by hearing you do it.
If a hard thing comes up instead, listen first. You can come back to the good things after, or tomorrow.

The reason

Why it helps

Noticing small good moments is a habit, and habits grow with repetition. A predictable ritual also helps many children settle, because they know what comes next. And you often hear things at bedtime that would never come up at the dinner table.

A gentle variation

For a child who finds talking hard, try one good thing each, or let them draw it. Older children may prefer to text you their three, or to do it on the drive home instead of at bedtime.

Three good things at bedtime

Four small steps,in your own time.

Why it helps

A gentle variation

Try itwith someone.

Try it today

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