If when bedtime comes around, your child seems to suddenly be severely parched, have a bladder issue, need every single toy in the house or have one million questions about life, then this is for you!

Bed time tokens are a really simple solution to the problem of curtain calls at bedtime. Depending on the child and the family situation, I usually suggest giving around 3 tokens. They can use them if they like, but if they have any remaining in the morning, these can be exchanged for something exciting like a fancy cereal they only get if they have a token, or to choose the music in the car on the way to school.

The logic behind it is that it gives them some control, allows for much needed connection but also helps them to understand what is important and what is less so when it comes to bedtime requests!!

Over time you can reduce the amount of tokens so they end up with either one or none but in the knowledge if it's really important then they can come to you.

Sometimes when using this technique, some kids need to be taught what to do instead of coming to find mum and dad... I’ll be writing a blog post on this soon!