Just before lights out, the child names one specific thing they're looking forward to tomorrow — not a big thing, something small and real. A friend at school. A favourite lesson. Lunch. The parent asks and then listens without comment. Anticipation changes the emotional tone of falling asleep from closure to something lighter, and the child drifts off facing forward rather than back.
How to do it
- 1"One thing you're looking forward to tomorrow. Not a big thing. One."
- 2Child names something. Any size. Lunch counts. Lunch always counts.
- 3You name one too. Something real and small.
- 4Leave it there. No follow-up. Let that thought be the last one before sleep.
Variations
- **Korb-Tür:** If they can't find anything: "Breakfast is tomorrow. That counts." Name something small for them.
- **Ausstieg:** You name one too. Leave it there. That's the last thought before sleep.
💡 Parent tip
If a child cannot find anything to look forward to: that information is worth having, and worth sitting with quietly for a moment. Ask once gently if something is heavy. Then name something small for them: 'Breakfast is tomorrow. That's something.'
What your child develops
- Future orientation — finding something to look forward to is a protective factor in childhood wellbeing research
- Specificity training — 'something small and specific' produces more genuine answers than 'anything'
- Anticipatory calm — mild positive anticipation is one of the most effective natural sleep-onset states
More for “Bedtime”
See allThe Check-In Signal
"I'll come back in 10 minutes", and the separation anxiety dissolves before you've closed the door.
The Brave Thought
"Think of one thing you're not afraid of", then build the list from there.
The Safe Room Audit
Two minutes checking every corner together, and the room is certified safe.