My four year old has the worst time calming down at night. It's not normal challenging-mom type thing. He's got some sensory issues, and he craves the physical contact to go to sleep. We're going to start trying yoga at night, but I'm wondering if anyone has any other ideas on ways to get him to calm himself down at night... ?

Jen... I'm sure you've tried baths? A little quiet playtime in the tub... routine works for us most of the time... does he sleep all night long once down?

He does sleep through the night.... thank goodness! It's just that calming down period is longer for him than most other children. He likes baths, because it helps w.the sensory issues. He likes to stimulate his senses as much as possible... he's a sensory seeker. Routine is helping the most. We're getting almost crazy about it. Isn't it exhausting?!

I can't overemphasize how much routine has worked for me. And preparation/warning has helped, too, as in: TV goes off at 7:30, get in jammies in 10 minutes, we're brushing your teeth in five, we can read two short books or one long one. It took lots of consistency, but my little one (6), who used to insist I "hang" with her until she fell asleep, now just says "I love you, Mom," and out of the room I go. She's asleep in minutes. Keep hope alive: The months of exhausting practice will eventually pay off!