Pause, hold a hand—and pray.

After the lights are out and the conversation is over, don’t leave your child for a few minutes. Keep holding your child’s hand. Allow them to fall asleep knowing you are there as their parent and protector. You really don’t have something more important to do. As a parent, your first priority is to ensure that your child knows you care and that you are there as their protector. Building this confidence as they drift off to sleep goes a long way when you need to make corrections later!