Nighttime Sounds, Morning Sounds

© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.

You don’t have to go far to hear lots of sounds. Your home is full of hums, beeps, and buzzes. Help your child become aware of these sounds so he can feel secure in his immediate environment.

At bedtime, help your child become aware of the sounds all around him—even ones he might not have noticed before.

• As he settles down, quietly point out the soft sounds of his own breathing or the covers rustling as he moves around. Notice other sounds in the room, such as the sound of a clock ticking, the dog snoring, or the heater hissing.
• If the windows are open, point out nighttime sounds outside, such as an owl hooting, trucks driving by, raindrops falling, or people talking.

In the morning, if you have time before your child gets out of bed, listen to the morning sounds together (bird chirping, child yawning, horn beeping, etc.). During your morning routine, talk about the nighttime and morning sounds and how they are the same and different.