Wait! Just One More...

Lindsay Anderson
Sep 2
2 min read

Whether it's one more hug, another glass of water, or a suspiciously timed “I forgot to tell you something,” bedtime curtain calls can be exhausting for everyone involved.

One evidence-based tool that may help? The Bedtime Pass.

🧠 What is the Bedtime Pass?

The bedtime pass is a behavioral strategy designed for children ages 3–10 who repeatedly leave their room after lights out. It’s been shown to be effective, with high treatment adherence and strong parent satisfaction in multiple studies.

It’s a simple idea: The child receives a “pass” they can exchange for one brief, reasonable request—like a hug or a drink of water.

Once they’ve used their pass, they’re expected to stay in bed.

✅ Who is it for?

This tool works best for children who:

Understand contingencies (e.g. “If I use my pass, I can’t come out again.”)
Have a consistent bedtime routine and an appropriate sleep schedule
Can fall asleep without a caregiver present

It’s not appropriate for:

Children who are not tired at bedtime
Children who haven’t yet learned how to fall asleep on their own
Children who engage in aggression or self-injury, due to the extinction element of this strategy

🪄 How to Use the Bedtime Pass

Make It Special: Let the child decorate their pass. Ownership increases buy-in.
Start Where They Are: If a child usually comes out 3x per night, start with at least 3 passes. Fade over time to 1.
Be Clear About the Trade: One pass = one short, specific activity (e.g. “1 extra hug,” not 10 minutes of conversation).
Use Gentle Redirection: If the child tries to come out after using all their passes, walk them back calmly and with minimal attention.
Reward Unused Passes: If the child doesn’t use their pass, they can trade it in for a small reward in the morning. (Think stickers, breakfast choice, or special praise.)

🧘‍♀️ The Takeaway

When used with consistency, clear expectations, and compassionate limits, the bedtime pass can give children a sense of control while still reinforcing healthy sleep. As always, individualization is key and whether you are trying the bedtime pass or not, BCBAs: collaborate closely with caregivers to determine if the bedtime pass is the right fit based on the child’s behavioral profile, skill level, and home environment.

📥 Want more actionable sleep strategies? Check out our sleep guide: "Better Sleep, Better Sessions"👉 subscribepage.io/BetterSleep