“The bedtime song? The one with the wrong words, sung loud by a bear wearing pajamas.”
— Nana
The best bedtime moments aren’t perfect. They’re messy, loud, and full of love. The song with the wrong words? That’s the one your child will remember forever.
Hey there, tired parent. I know you’ve been on your feet all day. But right now—right here—this quiet moment before sleep? It’s magic. Don’t rush it. Just sing. Even if you’re off-key. Especially then.
What it means for your child
It’s not about singing right—it’s about singing together.
- Babies: A soft hum, even with made-up words, calms tiny ears and builds trust.
- Toddlers: They giggle when you change the words—those laughs are little hugs in sound.
- Preschoolers: They’ll make up their own silly verses and beg you to sing it again tomorrow.
- School-age kids: They’ll start singing the wrong words on purpose… just to see you smile.
Try this tonight
Tonight, skip the perfect lullaby. Try this instead:
- Pick one line from your favorite song—then change the words to something silly (like ‘sleepy bear’ instead of ‘lullaby’).
- Wear pajamas. Even if it’s not bedtime yet. The silly clothes make the moment feel safe.
- Sing it loud, with big gestures—pretend you’re a bear hugging the moon.
Words you can use
- “Uh-oh, I think the bear forgot the words!”
- “Let’s sing it one more time—this time with stinky socks!”
- “You’re the best bear singer I ever knew.”
At Nana’s Place
Nana's Place cares for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, with day, evening and overnight care at two buildings in Glendale. We'd love to meet your family. Book a tour.
Questions parents ask
Is it okay to sing to my baby even if I’m not a good singer?
Yes! Babies don’t care about perfect pitch—they care about your voice. Your tone, rhythm, and love are what soothe them.
What if my toddler won’t lie down for bedtime?
Try making bedtime playful. Sing a silly song while sitting with them, or pretend to be sleepy animals. Connection before sleep helps ease resistance.
Should I let my child have a stuffed animal at bedtime?
For babies under 12 months, keep cribs empty—no blankets, pillows, or toys. After 12 months, a small lovey is fine if it’s safe and doesn’t block the face.
