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 Choose the Right Bedtime Snack (And Which Foods Actually Help Kids Sleep)
Not all bedtime snacks are created equal — some can actually work against a good night's sleep. Here's what the science says about food and sleep in young children, plus simple, sleep-friendly snack ideas parents can start using tonight.
How to Help Your Child Stop Stalling at Bedtime With "Just One More Thing"
Just when you think bedtime is finally over, your child needs "one more" glass of water, hug, or trip to the toilet. Here's why this happens and how to gently close the loop without a battle every night.
How to Help Your Child Choose Between Two Bedtime Stories (Without the Meltdown)
When "just pick one" turns into tears, the problem usually isn't the books — it's the decision itself. Here's why choosing at bedtime is so hard for young children, and simple strategies to make it easy, fast, and even fun.
How to Handle Bedtime When Travelling or on Holiday (Without Losing the Routine)
Holidays and travel can throw even the best bedtime routine into chaos. Here's how to keep bedtime calm and familiar wherever you are, from unfamiliar rooms to time zone changes and everything in between.
How to Help Your Child Make the Move from Picture Books to Chapter Books (Without Losing the Magic of Storytime)
Moving from picture books to chapter books is a big milestone — but for many children, it can feel daunting rather than exciting. Here's how to make the transition feel like an adventure, not a loss.
How to Use Bedtime to Help Your Child Process a Difficult Day (Without Turning It Into a Big Talk)
Some days are hard for little ones — a fall-out with a friend, a frustrating moment at school, a wave of big feelings they can't quite name. Bedtime is actually the perfect time to gently help them make sense of it all. Here's how to do it without turning it into a pressured debrief.
How to Help Your Child Develop a Love of Nature Through Bedtime Stories
Bedtime is one of the most powerful moments to kindle a lifelong love of the natural world in your child. Discover how the right stories, conversations, and rituals can turn story time into a gateway to wonder — no muddy boots required.
How to Help Your Child Transition from Two Naps to One (And What It Means for Bedtime)
The shift from two naps to one is one of the trickiest sleep transitions toddlers go through — and it sends bedtime into chaos for weeks. Here's how to spot the signs, make the change smoothly, and protect your evening routine in the process.
How to Help Your Child Cope With Bedtime When They're Feeling Worried About the World
When children hear snippets of grown-up conversation, news, or playground talk about scary world events, bedtime is often when those worries bubble to the surface. Here's how to help your child feel safe, grounded, and ready to sleep — even when the world feels big and uncertain.
How to Help Your Child Cope With Bedtime When They're Feeling Left Out or Excluded
When your child has had a day where they felt left out or excluded, bedtime can feel impossibly hard — for them and for you. Here's how to use those quiet evening hours to help them feel seen, supported, and safe again.
How to Help Your Child Feel Excited About Tomorrow (Using the Power of Bedtime)
Bedtime isn't just about winding down — it's one of the best moments in the day to help your child end on a high note and wake up looking forward to what's next. Here's how to use those quiet evening minutes to build genuine optimism and excitement in young children.
How to Use Bedtime to Help Your Child Develop a Growth Mindset (Without Them Even Noticing)
Bedtime isn't just for winding down — it's one of the most powerful windows of the day for shaping how your child thinks about challenges, mistakes, and their own potential. Here's how to use those quiet evening moments to nurture a growth mindset in children aged 2–10.