Dinner PalsBEFORE THE QUIET PART
Give playtime a visible finish.
If a countdown suits your child, try Dinner Pals when moving from afternoon or early-evening play to packing up. Explain the next step before starting, and help when the timer finishes.
A timer shows a duration. A simple picture strip or your explanation shows the routine. Neither needs to turn falling asleep into a deadline.
A SEQUENCE TO ADAPT
Same familiar steps. Room for your child.
Pack up
Help the toys find their places.
Get ready
Washing and pyjamas, in your usual order.
Brush together
Support the brushing routine.
Book and cuddle
Put the phone away. Share a quiet moment.
An example sequence, not a built-in schedule feature. Adjust the order and support to your family.
LET THE EVENING SLOW DOWN
Phone away. Quiet time together.
Raising Children Network recommends calming, predictable bedtime activities and avoiding screens in the hour before bed. If you use the app, place that cue earlier in the evening rather than keeping an animated timer beside the bed.
A paper picture card, a familiar phrase or simply doing the next step together can carry the routine into wind-down.
FOR PARENTS · OUR TIKTOK SERIES
The toddler sleep conversation.
Five existing videos, gathered in one place. Watch during your own time, then choose what is useful to discuss or explore. The videos are general education, not an individual sleep plan.
What a timer can—and cannot—do.
Dinner Pals can make an earlier routine’s duration visible. It has not been tested as a sleep treatment and cannot make a child fall asleep. If sleep difficulties persist or worry you, a GP or child and family health nurse can help you consider the cause and next steps.
Read more about childhood sleep problems ↗
For different communication and sensory preferences, explore our autism and transitions guide and ADHD and time guide.