Barnaby Bear was a very busy bear. He loved to play all day! He’d tumble with his friends, splash in the stream, and build magnificent forts of leaves. But when bedtime came, Barnaby didn’t like it one bit. He’d wiggle and squirm and say, “Just five more minutes!”
Mama Bear tried everything. She read him stories about buzzing bees and playful otters. She sang him gentle songs about the twinkling stars. She even gave him a warm cup of chamomile tea. But Barnaby still couldn’t settle. “It’s just…not right!” he’d grumble.
One evening, a wise old owl, Professor Hoot, perched on their windowsill. He’d heard about Barnaby’s bedtime troubles. “Barnaby,” he hooted softly, “sometimes the best bedtime isn’t about *what* you do, but *how* you feel. What does your body tell you when it’s sleepy?”
Barnaby thought hard. He realized that after a long day of playing, his paws felt heavy, and his eyes felt droopy. He liked the feeling of his soft fur against his mama’s. He liked the quiet hum of the forest at night. He hadn’t been *listening* to those feelings before!
So, Barnaby and Mama Bear created a new bedtime routine. First, a warm bath with lavender bubbles. Then, a quiet cuddle while Mama Bear read a story. Barnaby focused on the feeling of being safe and loved. He noticed his paws getting heavier and his eyes getting sleepier.
He realized he didn’t need *more* playtime, he needed to *notice* how his body felt when it was tired. He didn’t need a fancy song, he needed the quiet comfort of his mama’s voice. He didn’t need to fight bedtime, he needed to welcome it.
That night, Barnaby snuggled into his cozy bed, listening to the gentle sounds of the forest. He closed his eyes, feeling peaceful and content. He realized the best bedtime wasn’t something he had to *find*, it was something he already had inside him. He drifted off to sleep, dreaming of tumbling leaves and sparkling streams.
From then on, Barnaby Bear loved bedtime. He knew that even the busiest bear needs a quiet time to rest and recharge, and that listening to his body was the best way to find his perfect sleep.