The Four B’s Explained: Why Bedtime Routines Work (and Why Kids Crave Them)

Bedtime can feel like the hardest transition of the day—not because children resist sleep, but because transitions are emotionally complex. The Bee 4 Goodnight system, created by Daniel McKinley Howell, turns bedtime into something children can see, understand, and move through with confidence.

The Four B’s—Bath, Brush, Book, Bed—are more than tasks. They are predictable emotional checkpoints.

Why the 4 B’s Work

  • Predictability builds safety
    When children know what comes next, their nervous systems relax.
  • Visual cues reduce power struggles
    The routine becomes the guide—not the parent.
  • Consistency creates independence
    Over time, children begin moving through the stations on their own.

The Stations of Goodnight

  • Bath – Signals the end of the day and calms the body
  • Brush – Builds responsibility through playful hygiene
  • Book – Strengthens bonding and emotional regulation
  • Bed – Honors rest as a form of self-care

When bedtime becomes a journey instead of a command, children don’t just comply—they participate.

Worksheets

Build bedtime routines with easy, kid-friendly worksheets designed to support the 4 B’s at home or in learning spaces.

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Tools For Educators

View our collection of practical guides and teaching tools to help educators and caregivers confidently implement the 4 B’s framework.