I tried: reading books to her before bedtime, children’s meditation CDs, soothing music to help her wind down, and a couple of times– even punishing her. But nothing worked and she’d go down for bed at 8pm and still be fidgeting and restless by 11pm which always left her tired the following morning. And she was also coping with bad dreams now and then.
I was remembering the old radio shows I used to listen to as a kid with all the lights out and how it felt to follow along with those stories in my imagination. My daughter happened to be sitting next to me and I played a clip of one of your stories for her. She loved it and begged to hear more. That’s when I subscribed and it struck me how I could incorporate your free podcasts into her bedtime routine. The new rule is that in order for her to hear Alan’s stories, she needs to lay her head on the pillow and keep her eyes closed when I turn out the lights. Then she says, “I’m ready for Alan at The Story Home, Mom!” and I start the show. Ever since we started this routine, she reports very pleasant dreams and falls asleep in 30 minutes with absolutely no more fuss!