Terry the T-Rex was a very big dinosaur. He loved to stomp and roar and play! But when bedtime came, Terry had a hard time. He wasn’t trying to be naughty, but everything felt SO BIG! His feelings felt big, his feet felt big, and even his yawns felt extra big.
“ROAR!” Terry boomed, when Mama T-Rex told him it was time for pajamas. “I don’t WANT pajamas! I want to PLAY!” Mama T-Rex smiled gently. She knew Terry wasn’t being mean, he just didn’t know how to calm down.
“Terry,” she said, “Your roar is very powerful, but sometimes, a quiet voice is even more special. Let’s try a gentle roar, just for practice.” Terry took a deep breath and tried. “...Roar?” It was a very small roar, almost a whisper.
Mama T-Rex chuckled. “That’s perfect! Now, let’s try some gentle stomps.” Terry carefully lifted one big foot and put it down softly. Then the other. It felt strange, but…nice. It wasn’t as exciting as a big stomp, but it felt peaceful.
“Now,” said Mama T-Rex, “Let’s snuggle and think of three happy things.” Terry thought hard. “I like sunshine! I like splashing in puddles! And I like…you, Mama!” He snuggled close, feeling warm and safe.
Mama T-Rex read Terry a story about a little bird who learned to sing a quiet song. Terry listened carefully, his big eyes getting sleepier and sleepier. He practiced taking deep breaths, just like the little bird.
Soon, Terry’s gentle roars turned into sleepy sighs. His gentle stomps stopped altogether. He was all snuggled up with Mama T-Rex, feeling calm and peaceful. He learned that even a big T-Rex could be gentle and quiet at bedtime.
“Goodnight, Terry,” whispered Mama T-Rex. “Sweet dreams.” Terry mumbled, “Goodnight, Mama. Gentle roars…” And he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of sunshine, puddles, and gentle stomps.