Let’s get ready for bed – build independence and memory at bedtime

What you need 

• The things that you use during your child’s bedtime routine 

What to do 

• Keep the items your child uses (such as storybooks, pyjamas, a washcloth and their toothbrush) in a place they can get to them.
• Encourage your child to decide which step of the routine they’ll do next and get the things they need.
• Stay close by to supervise and help when needed.

Good to know 

Encouraging your child to prepare for bed more independently will help them remember where things are kept, and helps their cognitive development as they recall and sequence events to know what items they will need. 

If you don’t have time to do this at bedtime, think about another aspect of your child’s daily routine when this would work for you. That could be getting ready for a meal, or a bath.