GIVE ‘EM A PASS
Give ‘Em A Pass
“Can I have a glass of water?”
“I have to go to the bathroom.”
“Can I sleep with you?”
If you have young children who have trouble sleeping through the night, these are probably familiar late-night phrases. Kids can find all kinds of reasons to get out of bed and get out of their bedroom. To help address this issue, try using the Bedtime Pass. Designed for children ages 3 to 10, the Bedtime Pass is a personalized permission slip that grants your child a one-time-a-night-only departure from his or her bedroom for a specific purpose like going to the bathroom or getting a drink of water. Researchers have found that using the pass can reduce the frequency of children crying and coming out of their bedroom during the night.
Teaching Activity
TEACHING ACTIVITY
Practice Using a Bedtime Pass
This week, work on teaching your child how to make a Bedtime Pass part of his or her nightly sleep experience. First, download and print a Bedtime Pass. Then have your child write his or her name across the top (help younger children with this part, if necessary). Now your child owns the Bedtime Pass and is the only one who can use it.
Next, explain that your child can use the Bedtime Pass to briefly leave his or her bedroom one time during the night. The departure has to be for a specific reason, like getting a drink, receiving one more good-night hug or visiting the bathroom. Once the Pass is used, your child has to give it to you to keep until the next night. Make sure your child understands that without a Pass, he or she cannot come out of the bedroom again that night.
Social Skills
SOCIAL SKILLS
Asking Permission (for children)
By teaching this skill, you’ll help your child understand you have to give the “Okay” before he or she can get or do something. Here are the steps:
- Look at the person and smile.
- Use a pleasant voice.
- Say, "Mommy, can I...?" or "Daddy, is it okay if I…?"
- Accept the person’s answer.
- Say, “Thank you.”
Making “Asking Permission” part of using a Bedtime Pass is a good way for...
Coming Up Next
IN ISSUE 3 Putting Bedtime Problems to Rest - Setting Boundaries - Expectations, Communicate Clearly