The Dreamtime Blog
Bedtime story ideas
& sleep tips for parents
Better bedtimes, happier mornings.
Practical guides on bedtime routines, storytelling, and raising well-rested children.
How to Say Goodbye to the Dummy at Bedtime: A Gentle Guide for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Taking away the dummy can feel like the hardest bedtime change of all. This gentle, step-by-step guide shows you when to start, which methods work, and how to keep bedtime calm while your child learns to settle without it.
Is Your Child a Night Owl? How to Work With Their Natural Body Clock at Bedtime
Some children seem wide awake long after the rest of the house is winding down, then struggle to get up in the morning. This guide explains chronotypes in kids and how to gently shift your night owl's body clock without a nightly battle.
Why Weekend Lie-Ins Backfire: How to Keep Your Child's Sleep Steady From Friday to Monday
Late Saturday nights and long Sunday lie-ins can leave your child wide awake on Sunday evening and exhausted on Monday morning. Here is how to keep a steady sleep rhythm all week without turning weekends into a military operation.
Bedtime Video Calls With Grandparents: How to Make Long-Distance Goodnights Calm, Not Chaotic
Grandparents who live far away often want to be part of bedtime, but a video call can leave little ones wired, wobbly or in tears. Here is how to build a long-distance goodnight that strengthens the bond and still gets your child to sleep on time.
How Much Sleep Does My Child Need? An Age-by-Age Guide to Setting the Right Bedtime
Not sure if your child is getting enough sleep? This age-by-age guide covers how many hours children aged 2 to 10 really need, how to work out the right bedtime from their wake-up time, and the signs that it's time to adjust.
How to Teach Your Child to Get Ready for Bed Independently (Without Nagging)
Tired of repeating "teeth, pyjamas, toilet" every single night? Learn how to build your child's bedtime independence step by step, with visual routines, simple choices and age-by-age expectations that turn nagging into confidence.
Bedwetting and Bedtime: How to Support Your Child Through Night-Time Accidents
Night-time accidents are common, completely normal, and not your child's fault. Here is how to stay calm, set up a practical routine, and protect your child's confidence while their body catches up.
How to Get Your Child to Sleep When It's Still Light Outside (A Summer Bedtime Guide)
Bright evenings and early sunrises can turn summer bedtimes into a daily struggle. Here is how to help your child wind down and sleep well when the sky says it is still playtime, from blackout tips to a calm, light-proof routine.
How to Help Your Child Stop Asking for a Different Bedtime Routine Every Time They Stay Somewhere New
Grandma's house, a hotel room, a friend's spare bed: every new sleeping environment seems to come with its own set of bedtime demands. Here's how to build a portable routine that travels with your child, wherever they lay their head.
How to Help Your Child Stop Asking for a Different Bedtime Story Character Every Night (The Decision Fatigue Problem)
When your child can't settle on who the story should be about, it's rarely about the characters themselves. Here's why bedtime decision fatigue happens and how to end the nightly debate without losing the fun.
How to Help Your Child Stop Asking for a Bedtime Story About Their Favourite Video Game Character
When your child only wants stories about Mario, Minecraft or Roblox, it can feel like screens have followed them into bedtime. Here's how to work with that obsession instead of against it, and turn it into something genuinely good for sleep and imagination.
How to Help Your Child Stop Sleepwalking (And When to See a Doctor)
Sleepwalking can be unsettling to witness, even though it's usually harmless. Here's what causes it, how to keep your child safe during an episode, and the practical steps that can help reduce how often it happens.