Relaxing Bedtime Stories Help Calm Your Children

The summer is time when bedtimes get a little softer, days are filled with lots of activity and kids may need a little more time to relax.

Author and psychotherapist Natasha Edney has written beautiful stories on her audio CD/MP3 download called “Once Upon a Bedtime” to help children relax and fall asleep.

The 5 original stories were developed by Edney while she was putting her own two children, ages 11 and 8, to bed. The stories are about the four seasons as well as a mediation at the end. The whole program lasts an hour and are perfect for car rides or for the bedtime routine.

“Having started my storytelling career by making up simple tales for my own children, it’s been wonderful to get to the stage where I’m receiving feedback from children I don’t know about their favorite characters, or from grateful parents reporting a dramatic shift to smoother bedtimes and easier car-rides; so with this the next step in the journey I’m thrilled to be launching this full length CD of my stories,” says Edney.

Focused on nature and little spirits, the stories teach a little about nature, and a lot about confidence, dealing with loneliness, friendship, kindness and empathy. Children use their imagination while listening which is also a wonderful skill for them to develop more.

“Research shows that engaging the imagination is incredibly beneficial for children’s mental and

emotional development”, says Edney. “While harnessing children’s imaginations, ‘Once Upon A Bedtime’ stories also serve to deepen a child’s relationship to the natural world and the seasonal rhythms.”

Edney, who hails from the south of England and now lives in Canada, does the stories’ narration as well and her lovely British accent soothes and calms. It’s very easy on the ear. The sweet illustrations are soft pastel colors with sweeping strokes and impish figures.

Please check out the CD at www.onceuponabedtime.com and help your child learn while relaxing.

Marijo Tinlin is the Editor in Chief of Family First, one of the oldest family-oriented websites on the internet. She is also the author of a book about patriotism and teaching our children to love this country called “How to Raise an American Patriot, Making it Okay for Our Kids to Be Proud to Be American.”  It features 13 interviews with patriotic Americans including Ed Meese, Erick Erickson and Jackie Gingrich Cushman. It’s available at www.raisinganamericanpatriot.com.