Benny Goes to Bed by Himself: Kids and Parents Beating Night Time Fears Together
Book description
This book tells the story of Benny and his family and of how they were able to work together to get rid of Benny’s nighttime fears. The journey was not easy, and along the way, they had to overcome challenge after challenge, until they finally succeeded. Today Benny and his parents enjoy much better sleep. Benny is not only totally independent, but he also teaches other cubs how to overcome their own nighttime fears!
Recommendation
Dr. Claudia Lang, Clinical Psychologist
This is the book I’ve been waiting for! As part of my work, I come across many children who suffer at night from thoughts that bother them. On their side, there are parents who find it difficult to calm down and give guidance. Dr. Kushnir’s book provides effective tools that can help parents and children cope in a light and fun way. With the hope of better sleep, highly recommended!
Who is this book for?
- Your child calls you back to the bedroom several times every night
- Your child will only fall asleep if you sit or lie next to them
- Fear of the dark, monsters, or noises turns bedtime into a nightly struggle
- The whole family is losing sleep
What’s inside
- The story of Benny and his family, and how they worked together to get rid of Benny's nighttime fears
- A realistic journey, with challenge after challenge before they succeed
- An ending in which Benny goes to bed independently and the whole family sleeps much better
- An encouraging role model: Benny goes on to teach other cubs how to overcome their own nighttime fears
How to use this book
Read the story together during the day or early evening, when your child is calm, not at the moment of fear. Talk about what scares Benny and how he and his parents work on it together. Then agree on small steps toward falling asleep alone, move forward gradually, and celebrate progress, even after a night that goes badly.
Book details
- Authors: Dr. Jonathan Kushnir, Ram Kushnir
- Pages: 55
- Published: April 2020
- Language: English
Frequently asked questions
What age is Benny Goes to Bed by Himself for?
A reading age is not stated for this edition. It is written as a picture book for young children to read together with a parent.
Is it normal for a 5-year-old to be afraid of the dark?
Yes. Fear of the dark and other nighttime fears are very common in young children and often ease with time. They need more attention when they are intense, last for weeks, or disrupt the family's sleep.
How long does it take for a child to learn to fall asleep alone?
It varies from child to child. With small, gradual steps and consistent responses from parents, many families see progress within a few weeks. Setbacks along the way are common and do not mean the plan has failed.
When a book is not enough
If nighttime fears last for weeks, your child is very distressed, or the lack of sleep affects daytime mood, school, or family life, it is worth consulting a child psychologist or your pediatrician. Dr. Kushnir also works with families online: help with children’s nighttime fears.
Related guide: Books for children with nighttime fears