How to use it
Choose the goal that fits your nights, and say it the way your child would.
Look at the chart together at bedtime, so the goal is fresh.
Fill in a star first thing in the morning, while the good night is still news.
If your child comes out, walk them back calmly, with as few words as you can.
Make it last: print on cardstock, laminate it or slip it into a sheet protector, and use a dry-erase marker or Velcro dots so you can use it again.
Questions parents ask
How will my child know when it’s morning?
Young children can’t read a clock yet. Some families use a light that comes on at wake-up time, or tape a picture of the clock showing the time to get up next to the bed.
What if my child really needs us in the night?
Tell your child they can always call for you if they feel sick, scared or hurt. The chart is about staying in bed, not staying quiet when something is wrong.
How many stars should we start with?
Ten is a good start for many families. If nights are hard right now, try five, so the first celebration comes soon.
Is my child’s name saved anywhere?
No. A name you type stays in your browser so it can print on the sheet. It is never sent to us.
Is it really free?
Yes. One email unlocks this and every other tool in the library, and you can print as many as you like. Your email also brings one short story each Tuesday, and you can leave anytime.
This is a simple visual support for everyday routines, not a therapy or a treatment. If your child works with a teacher or therapist, they can tell you how it fits with what they already do. Picture symbols: Mulberry Symbols, CC BY-SA 4.0.
