Bedtime Facial Relaxation
Parent guides child through gentle facial stretches and relaxation exercises before bedtime, helping release tension and transition to sleep. The agent coaches the parent to observe emotional regulation, body awareness, and cooperative participation in calming routines.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and child seated comfortably facing each other in a quiet, dimly lit space. Best done as part of bedtime routine when child is calm but not yet sleepy. No materials needed.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by telling your child, 'Let's make funny faces to help our bodies relax!' Then demonstrate scrunching up your whole face — nose, forehead, eyes — like you're smelling something funny. Hold it for three seconds, then release with a big sigh. Now invite your child to try: 'Can you scrunch up your face like me?' Watch closely — does your child attempt to copy your facial expression? Even a partial attempt counts!
Watch for: Child attempts to copy parent's facial scrunching action when invited.
- 2~25s
Now let's focus on the release. After scrunching, say 'And relax... ahhh' with a big, exaggerated sigh. Notice what happens when your child releases the scrunch. Does their whole body seem to soften? Do you see shoulders drop, breathing slow, or a calm expression appear? This tension-and-release pattern teaches emotional regulation through physical awareness.
Watch for: Child shows visible relaxation after releasing facial tension, indicating emotional regulation through physical release.
- 3~40s
Let's repeat the sequence two more times together. This time, watch for signs that your child is enjoying this cooperative routine. Does they maintain eye contact? Smile or giggle? Initiate the next scrunch before you do? Bedtime routines work best when children feel like active participants rather than passive recipients.
Watch for: Child shows awareness of facial muscles and participates intentionally in relaxation routine.