The Sleep Fairy

by Janie Peterson

Helping children learn to stay in bed after they have been tucked in for the night is a challenge all parents face. The most common advice given to parents whose children have problems at bedtime is "Put them to bed and let them cry themselves to sleep" however, most parents just aren't comfortable doing this. Child behavior specialist Janie Peterson (LMHP) has a much better solution. Peterson has helped parents deal with bedtime issues for years and developed a method that she has shared with the families she counsels. The success rate has been outstanding. Now, with the help of Peterson's delightful new book, The Sleep Fairy, families everywhere can have pleasant bedtimes. Peterson's method - which is effective with children 2-years old and up - is easy. First, parents establish the family's bedtime routine and explain the rules to their children in a clear and simple way. Next, comes a reading of The Sleep Fairy. (After a few nights, parents can choose to read just the poem about the Sleep Fairy and not the entire book.) Then, if all the bedtime rules have been followed, the Sleep Fairy visits during the night and leaves a special surprise. Not following the rules means no visit and no reward. In the story, the characters, Molly and Katie, learn what is expected of them at bedtime and are motivated by the anticipation of finding a gift from the Sleep Fairy. Using Peterson's technique, teaching children to stay in bed is a simple as sprinkling fairy dust. Eventually, children learn to feel good about staying in bed and falling asleep without whining, crying or begging. (This, ultimately, is the parent's reward.) The Sleep Fairy is a resource that parents can easily adapt to meet the needs of their own families. Peterson suggests parents add details to the story so that it more closely matches their own children's bedtime routine. Try it! It works...and happy bedtime!

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Janie and Roger Peterson, both licensed therapists, have spent their lives working with families, parents, and caregivers to create a more nurturing environment for children. In 2000, they founded Behave'n Day Center Inc. in Nebraska, for children with severe and chronic behavior issues.

The Petersons share their tested methods, insights and wisdom across the nation to groups of parents, caregivers, teachers, administrators and other professionals.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really annoyed when I finished this book and it was a definite 1 star for me. Seriously? My kids need to be promised a prize under their pillow for staying in bed? Like I don't have enough to remember in the first place. Then I saw that the author and her husband are both therapists and their daycare center happens to be in the town where I live. So maybe this is intended for kids who have behavioral challenges. Oddly enough, my kid who does have behavior issues has never had an issue with staying in bed; his little sister (to whom I read this book) does tend to get up from time to time but I sure don't want her expecting a tiny doll under her pillow so I changed some of the words like "the sleep fairy 'will' come" to the "sleep fairy 'might' come" and then added this to our pile of books to return quickly.

[Paul Wyum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sleep Fairy

We just like the story and the present part.we just love the story so so so so so very very very so so so so so much.

[Tara Monk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Works sometimes

This story really helped my 5 y/o son start sleeping in his bed. However, if he's very determined to get in my bed, he'll tell me he doesn't care if the Sleep Fairy comes. It's hit or miss for us! I do recommend finding small prizes at Party City or other store that carries little party favors...cost 40¢-80¢. Good luck to you and your child!