Falling asleep can be tough! Parents often want to teach their children how to relax and fall asleep on their own (we like this idea too!), but sometimes kids need a little extra help to get started. This meditation is intended to be recited by an adult 1-2x as your child gets settled for sleep. We recommend that you lay with your child on their bed. You can just be still or rub their back if that is something that is calming for them. Repeat the following in a calm and soft voice, pause after each line:
Close your eyes
You can cover them with your hand if you want to
Now take a deep breath– in through your nose, and out through your mouth
Feel your body start to relax
We are going to do this five more times
Deep breath in through your nose and our through your mouth and feel your legs relax
Deep breath in through your nose and our through your mouth and feel your arms relax
Deep breath in through your nose and our through your mouth and feel your neck and shoulders relax
Deep breath in through your nose and our through your mouth and feel your brain relax
Deep breath in through your nose and our through your mouth and feel your whole body relaxed and tired
Now, I want you to imagine a cloud
The cloud can be any color you want it to be
But remember, it is a sleepy cloud
As the cloud comes closer to your body it may feel warm on your skin or it might play soft music
Your eyes begin to feel heavy and tired
They may even water a little bit
And your whole body begins to fall asleep
I will give you a moment to see yourself sleeping