For the Child Who Can’t Fall Asleep Without Your Hand

Four lines you can say out loud tonight. Word for word. Free to save.

What to say

1. I lie with you for five minutes, then I sit by the door for five more.

2. Falling asleep on your own is the part your body has not learned yet.

3. My hand on your hair for the first five, then my hand on the doorframe where you can see it.

4. Every Sunday we take one minute off. You say when you want to start that.

When to use it

This is for the moment it actually goes wrong — not the calm version you rehearse in the car. Pick one line. Say it once. Then stop talking and wait three seconds. If they push back, repeat the same line, not a new one. Say the same thing for five nights before you decide it doesn't work.