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 Help Your Child Fall Back in Love With Bedtime After the Clocks Change
Daylight saving time can throw even the most reliable sleeper completely off track. Here's what's actually happening in your child's body — and the gentle, practical steps that help them settle back into a healthy bedtime routine.
How to Help Your Child Deal With Bedtime Anxiety About the Next Day
Many children lie awake worrying about what tomorrow holds — a school test, a new activity, or simply the unknown. Here's how to recognise the signs of next-day anxiety at bedtime and what you can do to help your child feel calm, safe, and ready to sleep.
How to Help Your Child Cope With Bedtime When a Parent Is Away
Whether it's a work trip, a family visit, or something more complex, bedtime is often the hardest part of the day when one parent is absent. Here's how to help your child feel safe, loved, and ready for sleep — even when someone special isn't there.
How to Use Bedtime as a Natural Time to Nurture Your Child's Emotional Intelligence
Bedtime isn't just about sleep — it's one of the richest opportunities of the day to help your child understand and manage their emotions. Here's how to make the most of those quiet moments after the lights go low.
How to Help a Child Who Is Afraid of Going to Sleep (Not Just the Dark)
Some children aren't afraid of the dark — they're afraid of sleep itself. Here's what's really going on, and how to help your child feel safe enough to let go and drift off each night.
How to Help a Child Who Wakes Up Too Early (And Gets Everyone Else Up Too)
If your child is up before the sun — and dragging you with them — you're not alone. Early waking is one of the most common sleep complaints among parents of young children, and the good news is there's usually a fixable reason behind it. Here's what's really going on and what you can do tonight.
How to Handle Bedtime When Your Child Is Going Through a Phase of Refusing to Listen
When your child suddenly stops cooperating at bedtime, it can feel exhausting and defeating. Here's what's really going on — and practical strategies that actually help you both get through the night in one piece.
How to Handle Bedtime When Your Child Is Going Through a Growth Spurt (And Why Sleep Changes Everything)
Growth spurts don't just mean new shoes every month — they can turn a previously smooth bedtime routine completely upside down. Here's what's really happening in your child's body and brain, and how to get evenings back on track.
How to Handle Bedtime When Your Child Won't Stay in Their Own Bed
If your child keeps appearing at your bedside long after lights-out, you're not alone — and you're not failing. Here's what's really driving the behaviour, and the gentle, practical steps that actually help.
How to Help Your Child Transition to Sleeping Alone (A Gentle, Step-by-Step Guide)
Many children struggle to fall asleep without a parent close by — and that's completely normal. This gentle, step-by-step guide helps you support your child's growing independence at bedtime without tears, battles, or guilt.
How to Help Your Child Wind Down After a Screen-Heavy Day (Without a Bedtime Battle)
Screens keep little brains buzzing long after the device is switched off — and that can make bedtime feel impossible. Here's what's actually happening in your child's brain, and what you can do to gently ease them from screen time to sleep time.
How to Handle Bedtime When Your Child Is Scared of Monsters (And What It Really Means)
Monster fears are one of the most common bedtime challenges parents face — and they're completely normal. Here's what's really going on in your child's mind, and what you can do to help them feel safe and settled every night.