Monsters in the Closet: Bedti... Video Transcript

Webcast Transcript

JODI MINDELL, PhD: They should leave a nightlight on; they can check under the bed. We often encourage monster spray, where you take a spray bottle and you fill it with water and you spray the monsters away. So you can use creative solutions.

ANNOUNCER: But when goblins lurk in the shadows, there's nothing like mommy or daddy close by.

DANIEL LEWIN, PhD: One of the key factors that makes us feel safe and comfortable at night and allows us to let down vigilance is close social proximity. It makes them feel safe and makes them feel comfortable.

Victory against those scary monsters comes when parents help their children feel secure enough to face their invisible demons, even when parents leave the room.

JODI MINDELL, PhD: You want to make it a gradual process. You want to stay with them until they fall asleep and then, every few nights, move yourself about three to four feet away. And so, slowly, gradually, make the change, so to teach them to be able to fall asleep on their own.

Some feel much more secure and safe if you're on the same floor with them or if you're in the room next to them. Very often, what we do is we flip baby monitors around, so a parent can respond to a child and the child hears them, like, "You're okay, it's okay, it's night-night time." So a parent can talk to the child without being the room.

ANNOUNCER: Routine is what can ease bedtime for anyone, young or old, but that peaceful transition is especially important for children.

DANIEL LEWIN, PhD: Routine, regularity, routine, regularity are the most important factors. After dinner, they should engage in quiet playtime, then a bath, then getting into PJs, then reading together with the parent, then getting into bed. It doesn't have to follow that scenario, but as long as it's relatively regular, particularly for a child who's having some difficulty making those transitions from wake to sleep.

JODI MINDELL, PhD: One thing that's really helpful is to go back five minutes later and tuck them in one more time. It keeps them in their beds and they also get an extra kiss goodnight from their parents.

ANNOUNCER: With a parent's understanding and compassion, any monster, no matter how big, can be tamed.

Related Videos

Top Ten Things to Do to Get Baby to Sleep
Why Can't You Sleep Like a Baby?
Getting the Family into a Back-to-School Sleep Routine