Simply making it to the end of a busy day in one piece can be an achievement in itself! Sometimes bedtime is an upsetting experience for children, no matter how much they really need to get to sleep. Moshi is here to help manage bedtime anxiety with calming bedtime stories, soothing soundscapes and a whole series of breathing exercises for kids.

Separation Anxiety at Bedtime

Some of the anxiety that occurs around bedtime stems from children not wanting to be left alone. They get used to our company and want us to be with them all the time – which is a lovely thought, but they need to learn to love their own space too.

For babies, they are most likely entering the stage of development where they’re learning what object permanence is. Simply put, they’re feeling anxious and unsettled when they’re away from the security of the people who help make sense of the world around them.

For toddlers and older kids, separation anxiety is typically rooted in a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Moving to a new home, the arrival of a new sibling or other big changes in their world can cause them a flurry of the ‘bad butterflies’ in their tummies. 

If your little one is struggling with being alone for bedtime, reassure them that even you are nearby and they are safe and have nothing to worry about. If they are old enough, try sitting down and talking through what they are feeling. The Moshi Moment, The Art of Being Apart with Linton, is a great tool to help open the conversation in a way that uses language your children will understand.  

Anxieties about the Dark, Monsters and Noises in the Night

Imagination worlds can be an amazing adventure for children. However, it can also run away, causing them to fret about things that aren’t actually there. 

Filling their sleeping space with warm nightlights and soothing sounds can help soothe their worries away – real or imaginary. Create a custom Moshi playlist with your little one full of happy stories, calming music, and relaxing white noise that plays throughout the entire night. 

To feel safer when bedtime comes around, try snuggling up with a designated bedtime buddy to calm their busy minds.  

Anticipatory Anxiety 

Much like us, children worry about regular day-to-day life. It might be difficult for them to settle down for a good night’s sleep due to thinking too much about what they have coming up at school the next day, or thinking ahead to seeing friends and siblings earlier.  Maybe they are a bit stressed about an upcoming sports game, drama production or birthday party. 

As part of their routine, make sure to take a few moments to chat about their day. Give them a safe and supportive space to open up about their worries. Validation of how they’re feeling can ease stress by solving the root of their anxiety. A great way to round off this conversation is to talk about the positive highlights of their day.

Blinki’s Happy Moments is a Moshi Moment about a hi-tech Moshling who likes to recall and cherish special moments of love and happiness. It’s a wonderfully comforting exercise that fills your little one’s mind with joy right before drifting off to the land of nod.

Alyssa Morgan