Get Out of Bed Free Card — A fun way to keep kids in bed!

The October 1999 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine reports success with giving preschool and school-age children a free pass to get out of bed once each night. Originator, clinical psychologist Dr. Patrick C. Friman, gave children 5×7 cards embossed with their names. Each night they could turn in the card for one brief visit out of their room. The visits were to be for a specific purpose — a drink of water, a hug, or a bathroom visit. If children cried or left the room after they had already used their pass, the parents ignored the crying and returned the children to their room without eye contact and without a word. Many children saved the pass for later and then fell asleep — secure, knowing they had the pass. Also, knowing that leaving the bedroom was no longer forbidden removed some of its allure. However it works, though, parents and children both love it!