TALKING A CHILD TO SLEEP

Here is a “poem” that may help a child go to sleep. As far as possible, synchronize each line with the child’s exhaling. Start off talking in a normal, nonchalant tone of voice, then very gradually, speak slower and softer – stretching out each word. By the end, your voice will be a soft and sleepy whisper.

If you have just told a bedtime story, you might use a name from the story instead of “Mommy’s boy.”

The light in the sky

     Is getting softer.

Mommy’s voice

     is getting softer,

The soft covers

     are warm and cozy.

Baby’s little eyes

      are ready to close.

The idle chatter of crickets

     seems farther and farther away.

The soft touch of Mommy’s kiss

     encircles baby with love.

The friendly darkness

     surrounds baby with safety.

The sound of baby’s breathing

     Is slow and regular.

The memories of a happy day

     are safely tucked away.

Baby no longer notices

     the absence of light.

Softly,

    quietly,

         warmly,

         Mommy’s boy,

         is asleep.