How to help your little one embrace MedTime (even if they’re resistant!)

If your child is a "sensory seeker" or simply finds it hard to switch off, the idea of lying still for a meditation can sometimes feel like a tall order. If you’ve met a bit of resistance lately, don’t worry— it’s completely normal!

Here are a few gentle ways to bridge the gap and help your child discover the magic of their own 'internal calm':

The "Daytime Discovery" Play
Try the stories during the day when there’s no pressure to sleep. Read them in a sunny spot or a play fort. Modelling the exercises yourself — like taking big balloon breaths — shows them that these are fun tools, not just a "tactic" to get them to bed.

The "Parent-to-Parent" Theatre
Try a bit of role-modelling! Have Dad read a story aloud to Mum (or vice versa) while the "listening" parent follows the instructions with exaggerated relaxation. When your child sees you yawning, stretching, and looking super cosy, curiosity usually wins out over resistance.

Become the "Authors"
Empower them by asking for their creative input. Ask, "If we wrote a new MedTime story together, what animal would be the main character would be the adventure?" or "What colour should the magic race car be tonight?" Be sure to let me know, as it might just end up in the next collection!

The "Gentle Whisper" Entrance
If they are resisting the idea of a story, don't even announce it. While they are busy playing before bed or winding down, simply sit nearby and start reading the "Somatic Exercises" (like the toe-wiggling or muscle-melting parts) in a low, rhythmic, "sleepy" voice. Often, their vagus nerve will respond to the tone of your voice before their mind even realizes they’ve started a meditation.

The "Body-First" Approach:
For kids who "fight with their bodies," start with the somatic exercises only. Tell them, "We aren't going to sleep yet; we're just going to see if we can make our toes feel like melting marshmallows." Once the nervous system starts to down-regulate, the transition into the story happens naturally.

Let Them Choose the "Vibe"
Give them the power of choice. Would they rather visit the Peaceful Pirates or the Bedtime Bakery tonight? Providing two options gives them a sense of control over the routine, which instantly lowers the "guard" of a resistant child.

The "Cozy Commute"
If the bedroom feels too high-pressure, try reading a story in a different "low-stakes" environment, like snuggled on the sofa under a weighted blanket or in a makeshift "reading cave" made of pillows. Removing the "it's time for bed" trigger can help them focus on the story itself.

"Add", don't "Replace"
Keep your child's usual bedtime routine: the books, the chat about your day or whatever it is you usually do. We don't want your child to feel like they're losing anything. Just add the story in as the last thing before saying goodnight.

Remember: You’re not just helping your child get to sleep; you’re teaching them a lifelong skill for regulating their own nervous system.

Please do let me know how you're getting on. I'd be happy to help troubleshoot with you if need be.

Siobhan x