Many people develop a routine of reading aloud as part of their bedtime routine with children. "Repeating the same actions each night lets your child know what to expect; it calms and soothes them and better prepares them for sleep." (ReadAloud.org) Snuggle up with your little one and enjoy some great picture books. Children often try to delay sleep by asking to hear more and more stories. If you start out early enough, this is a good way to get them listening for longer and longer periods of time. While they "pull one over" on you, you are teaching them to associate read-aloud time with the pleasures of togetherness with you.

In the Dark, Dark Night by Butler is a good title to read before the lights go off. While reading it, talk to your child about his or her fears of the dark and shadows.