My Bedtime Routine
Parent guides child through putting a favorite stuffed toy to bed, following the same steps as the child's own bedtime routine. The agent coaches the parent to observe imaginative play, sequencing understanding, and social-emotional development during this calming pre-sleep activity.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Child and parent in child's bedroom or sleeping area. Have child's favorite stuffed toy available. Bedtime items (blanket, book, etc.) nearby. Best done as part of actual bedtime routine.
How it works
- 1~40s
Start by telling your child, 'It's time for Teddy to go to bed! Can you help put Teddy to sleep?' Hand your child the stuffed toy and suggest the first step — maybe giving Teddy a hug or laying them down. Watch how your child responds. Does they treat the toy like a real baby? Does they show any signs of pretending — like talking to the toy, covering them with a blanket, or making shushing sounds? Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Child engages in pretend play by treating stuffed toy as if it were real during bedtime routine.
- 2~45s
Now guide your child through a few more bedtime steps with the toy. You might say, 'Now Teddy needs their blanket' or 'Let's read Teddy a story.' Watch if your child follows the sequence. Does they remember what comes next in the routine? Does they initiate any steps without prompting — like reaching for a book or tucking the toy in? This shows your child is internalizing the routine structure.
Watch for: Child follows or anticipates steps in a familiar routine during pretend play.
- 3~35s
Now say to your child, 'Teddy is all tucked in! Now it's your turn.' Gently transition to your child's own bedtime routine. Watch how your child responds to this shift from pretend play to real routine. Does they seem calmer or more cooperative? Does they show any caring behaviors toward the toy before saying goodnight — like one last pat or kiss? This connection between pretend and real life is powerful for emotional development.
Watch for: Child shows caring, gentle behaviors toward stuffed toy during pretend bedtime.