Part 1: Nighttime Worries
Ollie is a little boy with curly hair and a big, bright smile. He loves playing with his red toy car and building tall towers with his blocks. At bedtime, Ollie puts on his favorite blue pajamas. He hugs Bunny, his soft toy, and climbs into his cozy bed.
But when the lights are off and the room is quiet, Ollie sometimes feels a little scared. He remembers the dreams that make him feel funny inside. Sometimes, Ollie has bad dreams. He doesn't like them. They make his tummy feel wobbly.
Ollie whispers to Bunny, “I don't want the bad dreams to come.” Bunny is soft and gentle. Ollie hugs him tight. “It's just a dream,” he says, but Ollie still feels worried.
His mommy sits on the edge of his bed. She strokes his hair. “Dreams are like stories in your head,” she says. “If a dream is scary, you can change it with your mind. You are safe here. I am close by.” Ollie nods. He feels a little better, but the worry is still there, hiding under his pillow.
Part 2: A Gentle Plan
The next night, Ollie tries something new. He takes a deep breath, just like Mommy showed him. He wiggles his toes, then his fingers. “Bunny, let's make a happy dream,” Ollie whispers. He thinks of the park, with green grass and blue slides. He imagines running fast, laughing, and playing.
Ollie closes his eyes and pictures his favorite things: ice cream, butterflies, and his family's hugs. If a scary dream comes, Ollie remembers to breathe slow. “It's only a dream. I am safe,” he says softly. Bunny is with him.
Each night, Ollie tries again. Some nights, he still feels scared, but every time he remembers to breathe and think of happy things, he feels a little braver.
In the morning, Ollie wakes up and smiles. He is proud. “I did it, Bunny,” he says.
Now, bedtime feels softer. Ollie knows he can help himself if he feels scared. And that makes his heart feel happy and warm.
