How to get your child to sleep, and build their self-esteem at the same time

Is bedtime the highlight of your day? Or do you wish it were? If it’s stressful, this page can help – a lot. It’s full of relaxation CDs – someone else, someone “calm” talks your children to sleep. Donice knew I had this list, but I’ve never formally created it, until she suggested it to a friend. So thanks to her, it’s here.

These may not always send your kids to lullaby land instantly, but for some, they do the trick. But, if they can work in a house full of 4 boys (not always sleep, but calmer) — I don’t know what more recommendation you need.

Even if sleep isn’t the instant result, these tapes send powerful messages of comfort, peace, and love, while giving positive affirmations. The subconscious mind picks up the messages and internalizes them. And an added benefit — the mind is much more receptive to suggestions right before it falls asleep. If they do fall asleep, keep the CD on, as the messages will still seep into their subconscious.

For stressful days, I play these during the day, while we’re eating, driving in the car, or screaming — they help. You might be able to find many of these at your LIBRARY!!!! That way you can try them out first.

Audio CDs:

Indigo Dreams: Relaxation and Stress Management Bedtime Stories for ChildrenA very, very slow, calm, yet strong female voice commands your attention. Soothing music, barely audible. She talks about a boy and a bear, a caterpillar — strong messages of positive affirmations. Uses stories to teach kids how to breath deep, relax, and see the beauty in their own abilities.

Indigo Ocean Dreams: 4 Children’s Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, while Increasing Self-EsteemThis series uses animals in the water to teach kids the message of letting go of anger.

Indigo Dreams: Garden of Wellness Stories And Techniques Designed to Decrease Bullying, Anger, Anxiety & ObesityThe bubble blowing technique teaches kids how to blow away anger. The perfect club presents solutions for bullying, and the caterpillar teaches kids how to make healthy food choices. These complex messages still come through in a soothing way, and my 8-year-old falls asleep during the CD.

Good Night No picture available. Jim Weiss is a master story-teller, and a genius at tricking kids into falling asleep. His soothing voice draws your child into the beautiful story, full of lush imagery that really stretches the imagination. Wonderful.

Sweet Dreams: Enchanting Story Visualizations With Sleepytime Music Again, by the same author, Jim Weiss, more stories, just like the one above.

The Velveteen Rabbit Book and CD Imagine Meryl Streep’s pristine voice, and George Winston’s soft and lovely piano music, combined, to lull your child to sleep.

For harmony. Follow the grumbling bear as he withdraws into his cave and hibernates into a deep sleep, and lets go of all the needs of the day.The Way of the Bear

From a Grain of SandFor happiness. Listeners learn how to identify emotions, and learn how to create peace.

Good NightTo help them fall asleep and relax. Breathing exercises and how to let tense spots in the body release.

Energy & MeTo help overactive kids calm down.

The Healing HeartExtra comfort for tough times.

Wanka, The Caring ElephantCaring. More guided imagery that shows kids how caring for others is truly a gift to themselves.

These are books that I highly recommend that accomplish the same purpose:
Moonbeam: A Book of Meditations for Children Maureen has written some fascinating meditations for kids. These guided imagery journeys are whimiscal, and take you inside a wolrd of animals, people and places.

Starbright–Meditations for ChildrenMore meditations for children — you can read these during the day to help kids get centered. This was the first guided imagery book I bought for my children. As I started to read the exercises aloud, my boys were instantly drawn in, as these “stories’ are not told in the typical way they are accustomed. That instantly got their attention. As they were drawn in, they learned very quickly how to absorb these stories, and many of the themes began to be integrated into their play.

Baby Buddhas: A Guide for Teaching Meditation to ChildrenLisa Desmond has copyrighted this method of teaching meditation to children 18 months to three years old. Very simple, straight forward techniques that are easy for busy parents to try with their children.

Inspired by Wife Mom Maniac

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