A Better Bedtime Routine Worksheet
Bedtime doesn’t have to end in power struggles, tears, or exhaustion.
This printable worksheet offers a connection-based, play-therapy–informed approach to bedtime that helps children transition from play to rest with greater ease — while helping caregivers stay calm, confident, and grounded.
Inside this worksheet, you’ll find:
- A step-by-step bedtime structure that supports children’s nervous systems
- Guidance for using visual timers and predictable warnings to reduce resistance
- Language scripts that help you set limits with empathy and clarity
- A “Listen, Limit, Listen” framework to support big feelings without escalating conflict
- Tips for staying physically and emotionally connected while holding boundaries
- Simple reflection prompts to help caregivers adjust and build confidence over time
This routine is especially helpful for:
- Children who resist transitions or become dysregulated at bedtime
- Sensitive or anxious kids
- Families seeking alternatives to rewards, punishments, or power struggles
Grounded in child-centered play therapy and attachment-based parenting, this worksheet supports both the child’s emotional needs and the caregiver’s capacity — because bedtime works best when connection leads the way.
Perfect for parents, caregivers, and therapists looking for a gentle, effective bedtime framework that can be reused and adapted as children grow.
*A download will subscribe you to the SF Bay Play Therapy weekly newsletter with parenting tips and announcements. You can unsubscribe anytime.