TIP 3: THE THIRD THING PARENTS MUST DO IS RE-ESTABLISH ROUTINES

Routines and rituals can be really very reassuring and give a sense of security and safety. Every family has a different set of rituals – some may be handed down from past generations, others created to fill a need in that particular family.

The bedtime routine

Because children are most likely to get scared as it gets dark, especially around bedtime, the bedtime rituals are very important. A caring parent will set up a calming and consistent bedtime routine that can soothe a scared child and give her a sense of much-needed security.

CAUTION – BEWARE THE DAD WHO COMES HOME FOR A WRESTLE

The noise of the front door opening may be heaven or hell for a harassed mother who is trying to get her children to sleep. If she really needs help at the "Arsenic Hour", the cry of "Dad's home" may signify a return to sanity. But if she has finally just settled the children and father arrives home expecting a floor wrestle with them, it can be a disaster.

Please, dads, take it easy! Find out how you can best help the "Sleep Right Sleep Tight" routine. Wrestling is probably a hindrance, and could eventually be a health hazard. (You catch your death of cold if your angry wife throws you outside!)

SPECIAL GOOD NIGHT THINGS TO DO

Do you have a special thing you say to each other every night? In our family we say things like:

"Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite."

"Dream about me, think about me"

"I LOVE YOU"

"Sweet dreams"

Sometimes I sing my children a special song that I make up – it's different every time. They don't mind if my voice is bumpy and lumpy. They just like their Mummy singing them to sleep. Sometimes I make up new words to old songs or to nursery rhymes.

TOP TIP TO DO TODAY:

THE GOOD NIGHT SLEEP RIGHT SLEEP TIGHT GAME

In this lovely game you say three things:

One nice thing about today,

One nice thing about tomorrow,

One nice thing about yourself.

You take turns with your parent. First, it's your turn, then it's your Mum's and your Dad's turn. Here is an example :

1  The first thing you say is: One nice thing about today was "…"
(Maybe you could say how you threw a ball OR you could say how you played with your pet.)

2  Then you say: One nice thing about tomorrow is "…"
(Maybe you could say: "I'm going to play with a friend" OR you could say, "I’m going out with Daddy"

3  Finally, you say: One nice thing about me is "…"
(Have you got a nice smile? Can you sing? Are you a good friend?)

After the child’s turn, it’s the parent’s turn. Make sure you say:
one nice thing about your day,
and one nice thing about tomorrow,
and one nice thing about yourself.

You watch … sometimes parents find it harder to say nice things about themselves than children do.

At the end of the game the child snuggles down and says, "I love you" and the parent says, "I love you too".