Sleep meditation for children aged 4 and over

Small evening rituals help children sleep better. Reading a story, reciting a prayer, giving a cuddle... all these things help to soothe the child and give him or her the security to face the night serenely. Here's a a guided meditation for children, to take some time with your child and with God, before going to bed, to fall asleep gently.

Soft toy meditation for a taste of God's tenderness

Welcome and settling-in time

Ask the child to fetch his or her blanket or a favorite stuffed toy.

Invite them to settle into bed. He can lie down, or sit up if he prefers, on his bed or on his parent's lap.

Take time to find the right position, then invite him to close his eyes.

Introduction

The parent introduces the meditation:

Today, I invite you to feel how God is full of tenderness. 

Setting up the exercise, story, feelings

The parent guides the child with a few instructions.

Gently, you're going to start stroking your cuddly toy (or stuffed animal). 
 Gentle caresses, as if it were very fragile and you didn't want to damage it. 

Invite the child to take the time to feel and welcome his sensations: What do you feel at your fingertips? Is it soft? smooth? a little rough? Does it feel good on your hand?

After a few seconds, allow the child to caress the blanket.
 It's you who's caressing the blanket, but you may also have the impression that it's him who's caressing your hand. It's sweet for him and sweet for you. 

Like God's tenderness: It's sweet for the good Lord and it's sweet for you too.'
 Whenever you need it, whenever you want it, you can take the time for a little moment of tenderness with the good Lord.

Invite the child to address God with a tender word. If necessary, set an example. Otherwise, leave him free to speak as he wishes.
You can start by saying a caressing word, for example: My God, I love you very much. 

Allow the child a little time to become present to God's presence. Reassure them that they don't have to physically feel anything for God to be there.
Now, still with your eyes closed, you can feel God's inner caress on your little heart. 
 It's very gentle, very delicate, but it's there. 

Time for the child with God

The parent invites the child to address God directly, in his or her own words. Set an example by taking a few seconds of silence yourself, with eyes closed.

God is full of tenderness. You are his marvel and he loves you.

If you like, you can tell him again, softly, in your heart, "I love you", or anything else you feel like saying to him. This is your moment with him.

End of meditation and preparation for bed

Slowly, you can open your eyes. 
 Now you'll get ready for bed. 
 You know that, day and night, God is there in your heart, and that he loves you.

(Discover a prayer for before bedtime for adults).